Zoe Ball, host of the new ITV show Grease Is The Word, has denied that she will be taking over from Kate Thornton on The X Factor.

She said: “The thing is, I think with what’s happening with X Factor is that anyone who’s ever presented anything is going to be connected with it.

“The thing is I love Kate Thornton. I think she did a great job, she’s a great lass and I think it’s a real shame what’s happened.

“So I haven’t spoken to her, but she’s a good lass and she’ll bounce back and I’m sure the press has exaggerated a lot of it.”

She added: “Whoever takes over has got a huge job on their hands. I wouldn’t want it to be me.”t