Huq 'had Xtra approach before Cotton'

New Xtra Factor host Konnie Huq has revealed that she nearly received the job in 2007.

The presenter told Company that she was sounded out about the position when Ben Shephard left the show after the third series, but lost out to Fearne Cotton.

Huq said: "Actually, I'd already been approached about the job when I first left Blue Peter, but it went to Fearne.

"When I heard the producers were considering me again, I thought, whatever, they know where I am. Then they called and I was like, 'Oh, what? Oh. really, I have to cancel my wedding?'"

Cotton herself left the show after one series and was replaced by her friend Holly Willoughby, who was succeeded by Huq this year.

Of the timing of her appointment and her recent wedding to TV critic Charlie Brooker, Huq explained: "I was a bit annoyed really because I was getting ready to settle down and have babies.

"Charlie and I both had a gap in work last summer so we'd booked flights to Vegas to get married. I'm not the type of girl who's had her wedding planned from the age of 5. Then, before we could jet off, I got the call about the Xtra Factor job."