X FACTOR host Dermot O’Leary got a rude awakening at the new round of auditions after a cheeky fan managed to grab a handful of his bum.

Dermot O’Leary, 43, was taking selfies with the waiting crowd when one eager fan managed reached over the railing to cop a feel.

7 Cheeky fan makes a move for his bum as he turns away Credit: XPOSURE

However that may not have been the wisest decision to make, as the returning host nearly missed out on today's events after coming down with food poisoning.

Dermot initially joined the hit talent show in 2007 to replace Kate Thornton, and quickly proved to be a hit with the general public.

But last year he announced he would be leaving the show after eight years and was replaced by Olly Murs and Caroline Flack.

7 Dermot will be returning to the show after a year out Credit: Getty Images

However, after the new duo proved a miss with viewers Simon Cowell decided to bring back fan favourite Dermot.

Simon, Louis Walsh, Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne have all been brought back onto the show in a bid to reclaim the show’s heyday.

7 Dermot posed for selfies with thrilled onlookers as the team kick off auditions in Leicester Credit: Fame Flynet

After securing the old fan faves, the four judges were spotted together for the first time at Leicester City FC’s King Power Stadium for auditions today.

The underdog team has had lots to celebrate after beating the odds and clinching the premier league title a few weeks ago.

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7 Nicole Scherzinger won herself some fans by bringing along a Leicester FC shirt Credit: Fame Flynet

Nicole dropped out of performing in the Broadway production of Cats in order to return to her place as a judge, and beamed as she arrived in an all-red tailored suit.

Getting into the spirit of the event, she waved a Leicester City shirt for the delighted crowd.

She was seen holding up the strip of the team, which had her name emblazoned on the back, and waved it like a flag to the delight of fans.

Sharon looked cutting in a black suit, and Louis already beamed for cameras and fans as they arrived to film the new series.

Even Simon managed to crack a small smile as he paraded in front of the screaming fans.

7 Sharon looked happy to be back on the panel, and even took a pay cut from US show The Talk in order to do so Credit: PA:Press Association

He adopted his trademark uniform of jeans, white shirt and aviator sunglasses for the big launch event today.

The reunion comes after The Sun exclusively revealed the exit of judge Cheryl, who followed Radio One DJ Nick Grimshaw and singer Rita Ora to leave the panel bare.

Hundreds of fans gathered to welcome back the team to the helm.

7 Louis poses for the camera as he searches for someone with the X Factor Credit: PA:Press Association

When Sharon and Louis were last on the panel together, they became famed for their cutting remarks to one another, with Sharon at one point chucking a glass of water over Louis during a live final.

7 Even Simon managed to crack a smile as he attended the first round of auditions Credit: Rex Features

It was a move that was replicated by Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden last year after one too many jibes from David Walliams.

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