Olly Murs returning to The X Factor as host

Pop star Olly Murs has signed on as the new co-host of U.K.'s The X Factor, six years after he competed on the hit singing contest.

The Wrapped Up hitmaker came in second on the hit show in 2009, and now creator/judge Simon Cowell has confirmed Murs is returning to the stage as a presenter.

The singer and TV personality Caroline Flack will replace Dermot O'Leary, who recently quit the program after eight years as host.

Cowell tells the BBC, "Olly has become one of Britain's biggest stars."

Murs adds, "I love the show and it kickstarted my career in music, which has given me the opportunity to do what I love. I already have the best job in the world and it's about to get better - I can't wait to get started and be part of finding some amazing new talent."

The 12th season of The X Factor will air in Britain later this year (15).