Dermot O'Leary to host TV awards

O'Leary said it was a "genuine honour" to be hosting the show

X Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary is to replace Sir Trevor McDonald as the host of the National Television Awards, it has been announced.

The star said it was a "genuine honour" to be hosting the show, but admitted the prospect was "daunting".

Sir Trevor said it had been "great fun" hosting the awards, but that "after 13 years I think it is the right time to relinquish my role".

The ceremony will be held at London's O2 arena in January 2010.

In previous years, it has been held at the Royal Albert Hall.

O'Leary, 36, said: "The NTAs have always been one of the biggest nights in British television and what makes it extra special is the fact that all the winners are 100% voted for by the viewers.

"Taking over from Sir Trevor is a daunting prospect but it's a genuine honour and I'm really looking forward to it."

ITV has secured a deal to run the awards, which are voted for by the public, until 2011.

They are moving from their traditional autumn slot and will be broadcast live in January.