Dermot O'Leary 'set to return to The Nightly Show' after winning praise from viewers as bosses try to save the ITV programme

By Emily Chan For Mailonline

Published: 00:42 BST, 4 April 2017 | Updated: 00:46 BST, 4 April 2017

He proved to be a hit with viewers during his presenting stint on The Nightly Show. 

And now Dermot O'Leary is said to be returning for the final week of the current series in an attempt to save the struggling ITV programme.

The X Factor host, 43, took the helm of the show at the end of last month, with the programme so far featuring different hosts each week. 

Big hit: Dermot O'Leary is said to be returning to The Nightly Show in an attempt to save the struggling ITV programme 

Big hit: Dermot O'Leary is said to be returning to The Nightly Show in an attempt to save the struggling ITV programme 

Bosses are set to break the current format by asking Dermot to come back to host a second time, after Bradley Walsh and Jason Manford complete their presenting stints.

A source told The Sun: 'Dermot proved hugely popular with viewers and his style fitted the format perfectly.

'This puts him in pole position to get the job if it does come back next year.

Popular: The X Factor host, 43, took the helm of the show at the end of last month

Popular: The X Factor host, 43, took the helm of the show at the end of last month

Returning: Bosses are set to break the current format by asking Dermot to come back for the final week of the current series

Returning: Bosses are set to break the current format by asking Dermot to come back for the final week of the current series

'Some of the other hosts didn’t really make it work, but as he does with all of his projects, Dermot made a great job of it.'

It comes as bosses revealed that ITV's News At Ten will return to its 10pm slot once the current run of The Nightly Show ends. 

Director of Television Kevin Lygo said it's likely the News At Ten won't be moved again if and when The Nightly Show Returns.

Pro: The X Factor host could get the job full-time if The Nightly Show returns for another series

Pro: The X Factor host could get the job full-time if The Nightly Show returns for another series

He said: 'If we do [renew the show in 2018] it's likely we'll show it at 10.30pm.' 

The Nightly Show has had a turbulent run since debuting in February and continues to battle dwindling ratings.

The series is set to end on April 21 and is said not to be returning in 2017 - with producers considering a 2018 return, if any at all. 

Current host: Actor Bradley Walsh is fronting the ITV programme show during its sixth week 

Current host: Actor Bradley Walsh is fronting the ITV programme show during its sixth week 

Battling on: The Nightly Show has had a turbulent run since debuting in February and continues to struggle with dwindling ratings 

Battling on: The Nightly Show has had a turbulent run since debuting in February and continues to struggle with dwindling ratings 

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