The X Factor returns… and Dermot O'Leary is back 

- Dermot O’Leary returns as host

- The room auditions make a comeback  

- Audition dates 

The UK’s most talked about entertainment show is back. And today ITV, Syco and Thames announce that show veteran and award winning presenter Dermot O’Leary is set to make a triumphant return to The X Factor 2016.   

Having previously hosted the show for eight years, Dermot will once again be at the helm of the nation's favourite singing show, deftly keeping the judges in check and offering support and hugs to this year’s budding hopefuls. 

Dermot O’Leary says, “I'm very flattered to be asked back to The X Factor, and am currently dusting off my dancing shoes. There is nothing more exciting than hosting live TV on a Saturday night.  

The show is naturally very close to my heart, after having hosted it for 8 years. I'm really looking forward to it, and excited to be back”.  

Simon Cowell adds, “Dermot's back! Hooray! And so is his dancing! Welcome home Dermot.” 

Managing Director, Thames TV and Interim CEO FremantleMedia UK Richard Holloway says, “Dermot is a much loved part of The X Factor and one of the best presenters in the business. We’re thrilled he’s back on board for our new series.”   

ITV Director of Television Kevin Lygo said, “ITV has an enviable raft of entertainment formats, and a fantastic range of talented presenters.  The X Factor, and Dermot, are an important part of the ITV Family, and we're really looking forward to welcoming them back to our screens this Autumn." 

Another favourite making a comeback for this year’s series are the intimate room auditions where aspiring stars will find themselves face to face in front of the judges in a very personal setting. If they impress three or more of the judges, they will move on to the next stage of the competition.  

The X Factor is currently on the lookout for the next big breakout music stars. Acts can apply via https://application.xfactor.tv/ and can audition either by submitting a video or by attending a Mobile or Open Audition. The Open Audition tour will be visiting eight cities starting on the 7th of April at Hampden Park in Glasgow followed by Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Newcastle, London, Manchester and Liverpool. 

All any wishful singers need to do is turn up on the date and time specified.  If they impress The X Factor team with their vocals, they will then be in with a chance of auditioning in front of The X Factor judges, when the judges’ auditions take place in summer. 

The hit show has uncovered some outstanding talent across the years. To date, One Direction have sold 70 million records worldwide, Olly Murs has achieved success with four multi-platinum albums and to date, Little Mix have sold 3.3 million albums globally. Last year’s winner Louisa Johnson is currently working on her debut album.  

The X Factor will return to ITV later this year alongside sister show, The Xtra Factor on ITV 2. Fans of the show can follow all the action via @TheXFactor on Twitter and Instagram and on Facebook.com/TheXFactor 

The X Factor Auditions dates are as follows: 

GLASGOW

Hampden Park 

Thursday 7th April 

BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham City Football Club

Saturday 9th April

Sunday 10th April 

CARDIFF

Holland House

Sunday 17th April 

DUBLIN 

3 Arena

Sunday 24th April  

NEWCASTLE

Newcastle United Football Club

Wednesday 27th April 

LONDON ExCel Centre

Sunday 1st May – OPEN DAY  

MANCHESTER 

EventCity

Saturday 7th May – OPEN DAY  

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool Convention Centre

Saturday 14th May