Dermot O'Leary could return to host 'The X Factor'.

Dermot O'Leary

Dermot O'Leary

The 42-year-old star chose to step down from his presenting role on the ITV show ahead of last year's series after nearly a decade at the helm but it is thought he may sign a new deal after Caroline Flack and Olly Murs chose to leave their positions as co-hosts.

A source said: "Dermot will come back to 'The X Factor'. Talks are under way on his deal but everything is positive. Everyone, including Dermot and Simon [Cowell], has the will to make it work."

And Dermot is said to be in a good position when it comes to negotiating a contract after Olly and Caroline made a number of errors during last year's live shows.

Another insider added to The Sun newspaper: "Producers have realised you can't take any risks with the presenter of the show. You need someone really good who can cope with live TV. It is a massive skill and there are not many people who have it.

"There is even talk Dermot could be offered the presenting job for the rest of the show's life when a new deal is signed with ITV. Bosses are looking at a two or three-year contract for him."