Dermot O’Leary leading former X Factor favourites on Comic Relief song

Iconic The X Factor contestants ‘being lined-up for one-off charity special’

Dermot O’Leary will join a number of former ‘X Factor’ stars on a Comic Relief charity single.

The show’s former presenter is “front and centre” of the Red Nose Day track and is joined by some of the most memorable acts from the TV talent show’s 14-year run – which came to an end in 2018 – including Chico, Honey G and Stevi Ritchie.

Sadly, 2010 favourite Wagner was unable to get to the UK from Brazil to be part of the project.

“The X Factor has been off air for five years so what better time to bring back some of their most controversial acts.

“Comic Relief has created a band out of some of the singers and have put X Factor host Dermot front and centre.

“They spent this week ringing some of the show’s past performers and are enlisting the most memorable from the cast.

“Honey G the rapper from 2016 has filmed her part with Dermot, while MarkMeets’ client Stevi Ritchie from 2014 has been approached — along with 2005 star Chico.

“It is the ultimate mega-mix of talent and they’ve got a real catchy hit in the works.

“Simon Cowell won’t be a fan of the end result but if it raises money for Comic Relief it’s definitely a winner.”

Meanwhile, it was revealed earlier this week that ‘X Factor’ boss Simon Cowell is in talks with Channel 5 to bring back the show.

A source said: “This would be a huge move for Simon, who carved out a TV career based on BGT and X Factor on Channel 5’s rival station.

“It would effectively see him turn his back on ITV after two decades which have seen him deliver them two of their biggest hits.

“There’s a strong sense that one chapter is ending and another beginning and Channel 5 are keen to be a part of that.”

However, it’s thought Channel 5 would need to pay a seven-figure sum to land Simon.

The insider added: “But they’d need to nail down a seven-figure contract to seal the deal to bring him across.”

Watch the performance next Friday.