Dermot O'Leary 'axed' from The X Factor: Presenter leaves show after 8 years

The X Factor host Dermot O'Leary has reportedly been axed from the ITV talent show after presenting it for seven years.

According to the Sun, the 41-year-old TV presenter will not return for the new season when it kicks off this autumn.

Taking to Twitter, O'Leary, who married long-term girlfriend Dee Koppang in 2012, confirmed the news to fans saying it was "time to move on".

Good afternoon. After eight wonderful years on @TheXFactor it's time for me to move on.
— Dermot O'Leary (@radioleary) March 27, 2015

I'd like to thank ITV, Simon, The X Factor family and particularly the viewers, all of whom have been a big part of my life for so long.
— Dermot O'Leary (@radioleary) March 27, 2015

I'd like to wish the team all the best for the future, especially whoever takes over from me.
— Dermot O'Leary (@radioleary) March 27, 2015

You're about to be the conductor on the most brilliant, runaway train in showbiz. Good luck you'll love it.
— Dermot O'Leary (@radioleary) March 27, 2015

Fans have flocked online to express their anger, shock and sadness at his shock departure.

What's this I'm hearing about Dermot O'Leary being sacked from The X Factor? Surely not.
— Scott Paterson (@ScottPaterson_) March 27, 2015

Christ alive, Clarkson goes, Downton finishes, Dermot O Leary gets the sack.. What next
— John (@_JohnEdwards96_) March 27, 2015

X Factor without Dermot O'Leary is A STUPID IDEA
— Anita Singh (@anitathetweeter) March 27, 2015

Bloody hell. No more Dermot OOOOOHHHHH Leary on #XFactor
— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) March 27, 2015

O'Leary replaced original presenter Kate Thornton as the reality show's main host back in 2007.During his time at the helm, he watched stars like JLS, One Direction and Alexandra Burke catapult to fame after winning over the hearts of the nation.

Just weeks ago he had claimed he would never quit the show to join BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, insisting X Factor was where his loyalties lie. "Never! You cut me and I bleed X! I couldn't. Strictly are a very lovely, cuddly, benevolent enemy... but they're still the enemy! I couldn't do it," he told Digital Spy.

The broadcaster's exit is likely to come as a blow for X Factor boss Simon Cowell, who only this week expressed his sadness over Zayn Malik quitting one Direction.

"I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction. Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond - and immensely proud - of him," he said. "I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave. As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band."

Earlier in March, O'Leary, who currently presents a show on Radio 2, made headlines after completing a 24-hour dance marathon for Comic Relief.