Dermot O’Leary to host BRIT Awards?

Dermot O’Leary has been asked to step in for Michael Bublé and host the 2017 BRIT Awards.

The 43-year-old ‘X Factor’ host is in talks with producers of the prestigious music ceremony to present the annual event, which takes place at London’s The O2 on February 22, but he hasn’t made his mind up yet.

Emma Willis, 40 – who hosts ‘The Voice UK’ and ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ – is also being tipped to take on the role.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Dermot is exactly what ITV want to host the Brits, a safe pair of hands.

"He has that wealth of experience, specially with live TV.

"He has been at the helm of ‘The X Factor’ for a decade and has a solid awards background too, thanks to the National Television Awards [NTAs].

"He is talking to producers but hasn’t made a decision yet. Emma is also an option."

It comes after the ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’ singer pulled out of the hosting gig so he can be with his three-year-old son Noah, who is currently battling cancer.

A source said: "It was a difficult call but Michael has decided to pull out of hosting the BRIT Awards. Out of respect for Michael the producers gave him as much time as he needed to make the decision, which they completely understood.

"He would have put a unique stamp on the night so it’s a real shame, but at the moment his priority is his family. They are exploring other options now about who will take his place and a number of people have thrown their hat in the ring. No matter who they pick it will be an incredible night."

When Noah’s diagnosis was confirmed in a family statement, the 41-year-old singer – who also has Elias, 11 months, with his wife Luisana Lopilato – cancelled all of his engagements to concentrate on helping his son get better.

The BRIT Awards, in association with Mastercard, will be broadcast live on ITV on February 22.