In a Yippee! sort of a story, it’s been officially confirmed by ITV, Thames Television and Syco that both Olly Murs and Caroline Flack ARE returning to host Xtra Factor this year.

In a statement to the media about the duo’s return to the show, Thames TV stated, “Caroline Flack, one of the country’s most sought after TV presenters and Olly Murs, a double platinum selling artist are back to host the popular ITV2 sister show to The X Factor.”

However, during the auditions rounds, Olly will be absent as he’s currently touring in the States, but Caroline will be there to bring us all the usual backstage gossip from the show’s first rounds, which begin today in Liverpool.

Olly will be back at Caroline’s side in time for the live shows, and the pair will then guide us through unseen auditions as well as presenting what’s been described as “unprecedented backstage” access to presenter Dermot O’Leary and this year’s judges.

Of landing the role as Xtra Factor co-host for another year, Caroline said, “I had a fantastic time on The Xtra Factor last year with my TV husband Olly…

“So, I can’t wait to get started on the show again.

“Even though Olly and I won’t be reunited in person until the live shows we will be together all the way in spirit, he’s bound to be calling me mid-interview to check what has been happening on the Judges tour to ensure he doesn’t miss out on any crucial gossip!”

And Olly added, “I can’t wait to get back to The Xtra Factor this year, especially now my partner in crime Caroline is confirmed to be joining me.

“I know it’s going to be a great year and we’ll be grilling the judges and contestants more than ever before.”

Kate Maddigan, who is ITV’s Entertainment Commissioner said, “Caroline and Olly’s onscreen banter made the show a must-see for X Factor fans last year, and I can’t wait to see them back, digging for all the gossip from this year’s acts and grilling the Judges backstage.”

Richard Holloway, the Managing Director at Thames, added, “Caroline and Olly did a fantastic job last year so we’re delighted they will renew their partnership again.”

And finally, Nigel Hall, who’s Head of Global TV at Syco, said, “I’m so pleased that Olly and Caroline are returning to The Xtra Factor this year.

“We love their on-screen relationship and we’re excited to be going on the X Factor journey with them once again.”

The X Factor and The Xtra Factor return to ITV1 and ITV2 and itv.com later in the summer, 2012.

The X Factor is sponsored by TalkTalk.

Aww I’m so glad they’ll be back! Are you?