X Factor: Olly Murs & Caroline Flack Replace Dermot

It’s official, The X Factor 2015 will see a major overhaul, starting first with the absence of Dermot O’Leary and the arrival of Olly Murs and Caroline Flack as the brand new duo of hosts.

Dermot held down this role, complete with impressive dance routines, for a staggering eight years (a long time in TV life) when he took over the rather forgettable efforts of Kate Thornton in the first two years of The X Factor. Now with a whole new set of producers, we’ll see the pair who once took the reigns on the spin-off show, The Xtra Factor, move into the big leagues. This news was confirmed just yesterday.

Are we sad to see Dermot go? Definitely, but happy to hear he announced his departure rather than to know he was turfed out. Are we put off keeping up with the show without him? Very much so. Olly Murs – runner up finalist on the show back in 2009 – definitely has that whole affable laddish thing going on, but we’re not quite sure he’s strong enough to own it like Dermot did, but that’s why they’ve pilfered Flack over from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Simon Cowell is ‘absolutely delighted’ while Murs says he’s “incredibly excited and proud” to be returning to The X Factor alongside Flack. “I love the show and it kick-started my career in music which has given me the opportunity to do what I love. I already have the best job in the world and it’s about to get better – I can’t wait to get started and be part of finding some amazing new talent,” he continued.Flack herself is “beyond excited… To have the privilege of doing this with someone who makes me laugh out loud is a massive bonus,” she said.”I’m also incredibly lucky to have the best tips and support from my showbiz big brother Dermot. I’m not sure how I can live up to his long term residency but I know I can’t let him down!”

No, no you can’t. But the real question on everyone who’s ever watched the show’s liips is this: will Cheryl Fernandes Versini be returnin to the judging panel? We wait with baited breath.

Auditions are currently ongoing; have you got what it takes to go all the way?

@CarolineForan