Dermot O'Leary asked to replace Michael Buble as BRIT Awards host

It has been reported that Dermot O’Leary has been asked to step in for Michael Buble as the host of this year’s BRIT Awards, with the singer being forced to cancel as his three-year-old son, Noah, battles cancer.

According to mysterious sources, Derm is in talks with the show’s producers about presenting the annual event, which will take place at London’s O2 on February 22nd.

Despite being headhunted, the X Factor host hasn’t yet made up his mind, with Emma Willis also being a contender to nab the role if Dermot rejects the offer.

Speaking to The Sun, a source shared: “Dermot is exactly what ITV want to host the Brits, a safe pair of hands.

“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 National Television Awards.

“He is talking to producers but hasn’t made a decision yet. Emma is also an option.”

Last year, Michael Buble cancelled all of his engagements in order to focus on helping his young son get better, and BRIT producers gave the star “as much time as he needed” to decide whether or not he will be able to leave his family and take on the huge presenting job.

Speaking after Michael backed out of the show, an insider shared: “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.

“He would have put a unique stamp on the night so it’s a real shame, but at the moment his priority is his family.

“They are exploring other options now about who will take his place and a number of people have thrown their hat in the ring. No matter who they pick it will be an incredible night.”

Michael and his wife, Luisana Lopilato, are also mum and dad to 11-month-old Elias.