Thursday, 3 February 2011

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Dermot O'Leary: Simon Cowell should pick me and Cheryl Cole for The X Factor in the US

Dermot O'Leary in with a 'great chance' of winning US X Factor presenting job

Dermot O'Leary has hosted The X Factor in the UK for 4 years

X Factor host Dermot O'Leary reckons Simon Cowell should definitely choose him and Cheryl Cole for the US version of the talent show.

Dermot is up against the likes of Extra host Mario Lopez and High School Musical star Zac Efron for the presenting role, so he's keeping his fingers crossed.

'He has made the shortlist but there is some pretty stiff competition from a host of big names in America,' a close pal tells the Daily Mirror.

'A decision has not been made yet so Dermot has to wait, like any other fan of the show.'

Dermot, 37, hosted the National Television Awards last week, when X Factor chief Simon revealed he'd be announcing the show host and judging panel 'in two weeks'.

Geordie singer Cheryl Cole is hoping to nab a place as a judge, but reports this week suggest she may be relegated to a Sinitta-style mentor.

'I'd have us both,' Dermot tells the Daily Mail Weekend. 

'I think there is room for three Brits on the show, but at the same time I get the fact that they might want an American doing the presenting.

'I'd be miffed if an American came over here and took a
presenting job I thought I could do.' 

'I've thrown my hat in the ring. I've been over, had a few meetings.

'I've sat down with Simon. I've made a pitch, but to be honest there's not a lot more I can do.

'It's all a bit odd. I didn't do any screen tests, which would be normal, because I'm already doing the job here, and they can see exactly what they'd be getting.'

'Now I just have to wait.'

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