Dermot O'Leary makes US X Factor shortlist

Dermot O'Leary has made the shortlist to present the US version of 'The X Factor'.

The TV star - who currently hosts the UK edition of the ITV1 talent show - is said to be "in with a great chance" to land the job after producers narrowed the list down to six people.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Dermot is still in with a great chance of getting the biggest job of his life, but he's in the dark at the moment.

"He has made the shortlist but there is some pretty stiff competition from a host of big names in America. A decision has not been made yet so Dermot has to wait, like any other fan of the show."

Other names rumoured to be in the line for the job include former 'Saved By The Bell' star Mario Lopez, 'High School Musical' actor Zac Efron and 'E!' host Jason Kennedy.

Executives at Fox are set to meet with Simon Cowell - who will be producing and judging on the show - next week to decide who should be offered the coveted role as well as the other judges.

Dermot - who has said he is desperate for the job - has previously admitted he might not get the role because he's British.

He said: "The upside is it's been so long now that I've had time to prepare myself for what comes. But if I don't get it, I know that I have to not take it personally because it will have been about them wanting an American in the role."