Dermot O’Leary visibly uncomfortable after Susanna Reid asks ‘brutal’ question

| Metro columnist Published September 10, 2026 4:55pm Updated September 10, 2026 4:55pm To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Dermot O’Leary looked suitably shocked by a question from Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain. The presenter, 53, appeared on the ITV show yesterday following This Morning’s win at the National Television Awards, four years after its 12-year winning streak came to an end and never recovered. But Susanna was more interested in recent reports that The X Factor, which Dermot famously hosted, will be returning with a revamped judging panel to save Saturday night TV. After Dermot stressed he knew absolutely nothing about the show’s comeback, Susanna point blank asked: ‘Do people ring you and say, “We’re going to relaunch The X Factor but you’re too old to present it?”’ Taken aback by the question, with a nervous laugh he replied: ‘No… no one’s told me that!’ The awkward clip was shared on social media by Jono Read, who commented: ‘Well that was a brutal question.’ Awks! (Picture: ITV) Another X user, Steve Beef, replied: ‘No sugar on that one!’ Mattinsonie called Susanna ‘rude’ while Jane wrote: ‘LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL stone cold.’ Though, some were a tad more sympathetic, with David French suggesting: ‘I think she is just pointing out the brutality of TV. There are plenty of examples where older presenters are ‘ghosted’ when producers feel it’s time for younger presenters.’ Gabriel Lindsay noted: ‘Perhaps she is posting out how it’s diff for women.’ While Dermot was able to confirm he hasn’t been approached to present The X Factor (yet), he did share his thoughts on the show’s potential return. He explained: ‘Do you know what’s interesting, I have been thinking about it. Dermot O’Leary hosted The X Factor unitl its demise in 2018 (Picture: Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX/Shutterstock) ‘It’s six years since it was on air which doesn’t sound like that much of a long time, but the world has changed and the music’s changed, and how we communicate and how we watch things has changed so much in those six years. ‘I’m fascinated as to what they’ll do if they do bring it back. It’d have to be, in many ways, a very different show [but] you still want the nostalgia of how it was in the first place.’ The reboot is said to have been in the works since December but has been kept top secret. A source told The Sun: ‘X Factor will be coming back into a whole new arena, where social media is king, memes make money and a viral moment can mean win or lose. ‘Trademarking key phrases is part of that — and Simon’s known for his critiques. ‘Bosses lodged, “It’s a yes from me,” “It’s a no from me,” and “I didn’t like it, I loved it” in December.’ At its peak, more than 17 million viewers tuned in to watch Matt Cardle win The X Factor in 2010. However, by its final series in 2018, that figure crumbled to just over 4 million. Across its 15 series, The X Factor discovered some of the biggest artists in the world including Leona Lewis, One Direction, Ella Henderson and Olly Murs. Deals of the Day Topman’s new-season collection has arrived and prices start at just £10 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV. Arrow MORE: X Factor insider: ‘It would be a shame to bring back Poundland version of show’ Arrow MORE: The X Factor reboot won’t work – prove me wrong Arrow MORE: X Factor judge is desperate to return to rebooted show – with strict condition TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.