Olly Murs and Caroline Flack new presenters of the X Factor

Olly Murs and Caroline Flack are the new presenters of The X Factor.

ITV, Thames and Syco confirm that Olly Murs and Caroline Flack are to be the new presenters of The X Factor, becoming the first ever duo to host the hit singing show.

Olly and Caroline will bring their chemistry and charm to the show, having previously co-hosted The Xtra Factor on ITV2 for two years from 2011. They will be on hand at every stage of the audition process to congratulate and console the budding singers who are vying to be the next big superstar. They will also be tasked with keeping the judges in order, once the live shows start.

Olly Murs, said: I m incredibly excited and proud to be returning to The X Factor alongside Caroline. 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!

Caroline Flack, said: "I m beyond excited about presenting The X Factor with Olly. To have the privilege of doing this with someone who makes me laugh out loud is a massive bonus!

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!"

Simon Cowell said: I am absolutely delighted Caroline and Olly are both returning to The X Factor. When they were on Xtra together, they were a brilliant double act. Since then, Caroline's gone from strength to strength and Olly has become one of Britain's biggest stars. So now I'm looking forward to them fronting the main show."

Elaine Bedell, ITV s Director of Entertainment and Comedy, said: "Olly and Caroline are known for their chemistry and charisma and we re delighted that they ll be bringing this to The X Factor."

Richard Holloway, Managing Director Thames TV and Interim CEO FremantleMedia UK, said: We're thrilled to be welcoming Olly and Caroline back to The X Factor as our first ever presenting duo.

Olly first came to public attention on series 6 of The X Factor in 2009, when he was runner up, and he has since gone on to achieve international success. His self-titled debut album was released in November 2010, reaching double platinum status and it became the biggest selling debut album of the year. He has since gone on to have an impressive three No.1 albums, as well as notching up eight top ten singles including four No.1 singles.

In June 2013, he embarked on the Robbie Williams Take The Crown' European Stadium tour as his special guest, following his own sold out headline arena tour. Olly is currently on the road in the UK and Europe with his Never Been Better tour.

Caroline is one of the UK's foremost TV presenters with unparalleled experience of hosting live TV. She hosted three series of Xtra Factor alongside Olly Murs and Matt Richardson from 2011-2013 and prior to this Caroline anchored two series of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! She has also presented numerous pieces of live event coverage including the prestigious BAFTA Film Awards red carpet and backstage at The Brits. She will also be presenting ITV2's Love Island this summer.

The new series of The X Factor returns to ITV in autumn this year and applications for the new series are open now.

Open auditions are currently underway and will be heading to Birmingham (18th and 19th April), Glasgow (23rd and 24th April), Liverpool (26th and 27th April), Cardiff (29th and 30th April), Manchester (10th May) and London (7th June). Anyone can apply by registering in advance or just turning up on the day. Aspiring stars can also apply by going to one of the mobile audition tour dates sponsored by TalkTalk, which are visiting smaller towns and cities across the UK, or for anyone who isn t able to make it to any of the locations video auditions can be sent in via https://application.xfactor.tv/ More information including audition venues can be found at itv.com/xfactor

LINK:	http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/olly-murs-and-caroline-f...
	See more stories from itv

Most recent headlines