Cowell 'backs Bleakley for X Factor'

Christine Bleakley has reportedly been told that she will replace Dermot O'Leary if he is chosen to host the US version of The X Factor.

According to The Mirror, O'Leary has until February to accept the 'multimillion-pound' presenting job. Daybreak host Bleakley was tipped as his replacement in July.

Simon Cowell is now said to have given the 31-year-old his backing for the job.

"Simon is a big fan of Christine and so is Peter Fincham," an ITV source told the paper. "They see her as having a big future at ITV."

They continued: "Peter told her that if Dermot takes the job as host of the American show, as he thinks he will, 'then the job's yours'.

"Everything depends on Dermot accepting Simon's offer to host the US show."

> O'Leary: 'I won't beg for X Factor USA job'