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Ben Shephard quits Xtra Factor

03/05/2007

Ben Shephard, who hosted the X-Factor spin-off show the Xtra Factor, has quit the show to work on a BBC1 programme.

It has been suggested that Shephard left the show because he was unhappy at Dermot O'Leary replacing Kate Thornton when he felt he was worth a try.

An X-Factor insider told the Sun: "Ben was not that happy when Dermot got the job. He thought he should get a shot."

A spokesman for Shephard said there was no truth in the suggestion and that he wishes the X-Factor staff all the best.

The star will now be working on the BBC show Dance X, which is currently scouring the country for the UK's hottest dancing talent to create a new dance group.

A reshuffle of the hit ITV1 show has seen Thornton axed as the host and judge Louis Walsh similarly left in the cold.

Danni Minogue is set to step in as a new judge and X-Factor chief Simon Cowell is still looking for a fourth.

The show has been a bright spot for ITV in what has otherwise been a tough period and regularly attracts large viewing audiences.

Last year's winner, Leona Lewis, went on to enjoy a number one single, while runners up Ben Mills and Ray Quinn have both released albums.


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