Yahoo News Dermot O’Leary ‘to replace Michael Bublé as BRIT Awards host’
Dermot O’Leary looks set to replace Michael Bublé as the host of this year’s BRIT Awards, according to reports.
Bublé, 41, is said to have pulled out of hosting duties after his three year-old son was diagnosed with cancer.
O’Leary is reportedly in talks to replace the swing singer, but has yet to make a decision.
“Dermot is exactly what ITV want to host the Brits, a safe pair of hands,” a source told The Sun.
“He has that wealth of experience, especially with live TV.
“He has been at the helm of The X Factor for a decade and has a solid awards background too, thanks to the NTAs. He is talking to producers but hasn’t made a decision yet.”
Big Brother presenter Emma Willis is also said to be in the ring to replace Bublé.
Bublé is said to be taking time out of the spotlight to care for his three year-old son Noah, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in November.
A source told The Sun: “It was a difficult call but Michael has decided to pull out of hosting the Brit Awards.
“Out of respect for Michael the producers gave him as much time as he needed to make the decision, which they completely understood.”
David Bowie has been posthumously nominated in two categories ahead of this year's event which will also see Zayn Malik and One Direction go head-to-head in the British Artist Video of the Year for Pillowtalk and History respectively.
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Little Mix will face off against Radiohead, The 1975, Bastille, and Biffy Clyro for Best British Group while Anonhni, Ellie Goulding, Emeli Sande, Lianne La Havas and Nao will by vying for best British female solo artist.
Standard Online has contacted a representative for O’Leary for comment.
The BRIT Awards are on February 22.
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