Dermot O’Leary has recently shown uncertainty as to whether or not he will return to present the ninth UK series of ‘The X Factor’.

O’Leary, who took over the role from former presenter Kate Thornton who was axed in 2006, has stated that he is yet to sign a contact tying him to the show for another series. Speaking to ‘The Sun’ he said, “I’ve not signed yet. The next month or so will be telling. I’ll either be doing it or I won’t. You never know. That’s the thing working for Simon Cowell and working on that show”. Dermot’s doubt have also been fuelled as a result of his US counterpart Welshman, Steve Jones, being axed from the stateside version of the popular talent show along with judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger.

Personally, I believe that it would be fair to say that the last series was slightly disastrous, with ratings hitting an all time low and what was delivered to the public wasn’t exactly what we were expecting. It is therefore highly likely that there will be severe shakeups affecting the judging panel, and also the presenting team, consisting of O’Leary and ‘Xtra Factor’ presenters, Olly Murs and Caroline Flack. It seems as if it had gone from being one of ITV’s most successful, leading and entertaining shows to a nightmare revolved around the judge’s personal conflicts towards each other – that is excellent entertainment, yes, but the focus has been taken away from the contestants and the actual competition which is what the show was originally commissioned to be about, finding an international superstar.

Rumours are also currently being circulated as to which judges will not be returning. At the end of the previous series, Louis Walsh expressed that he was “50/50” on returning to the show as he “wanted his life back” and recent tabloid reports have suggested that Kelly Rowland has ruled herself out to return, whilst Tulisa and Gary Barlow have both registered their interest to return as judges and mentors for another season.

So, could it be another all change judging panel with a new presenter? I guess only time will tell! What do you think is going to happen, and let us know who your ideal judging panel for ‘The X Factor UK’ would be by hitting read more and leaving us a comment below!

Powered by WPeMatico