Dermot O'Leary is to quit Big Brother after seven years to focus on his presenting duties for The X Factor. The 34-year-old, who hosts E4's Big Brother's Little Brother, will bow out after fronting Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack on E4 in January, which sees stars taking over the role of Big Brother. He said: "It is with great regret that my time on Big Brother will come to an end. I've had the time of my life working on Big Brother's Little Brother, from our broom cupboard days to the all singing all dancing show we make now." Dermot explained that the pressure of working on both Big Brother and The X Factor at the same time last summer had proved too much. "This summer's work commitment of BBLB and the X Factor has proven to me that to do both shows is impractical if not impossible," he said. "I want to thank Channel 4 and the Big Brother family for all their support." Head of E4 Angela Jain said: "BBLB has been Dermot's little baby from the start. We will miss him and all the laughter and professionalism he has brought with him." Celebrity Hijack will see a bunch of young artists, athletes and musicians enter the house to compete for a £50,000 prize fund.
