Following the departure of series 1–3 presenter Kate Thornton, Dermot O'Leary took over as presenter for series 4. In an interview with ITV Head of Entertainment and Comedy, Paul Jackson, O'Leary said he was still getting used to handling the rejected at the auditions: "I'm still trying to work it out. It's an emotionally exhausting show to do." On 2 May 2007, it was announced that Ben Shephard had quit his role as presenter of spin-off show "The Xtra Factor" on ITV2. An "X Factor" insider said: "Ben had a big chance of being the main presenter on "X Factor" until he did "Soapstar Superstar" last year on ITV1. He didn't impress some of the X Factor bosses on that live show and moved down the pecking order." Cowell said: "I wish Ben good luck. He has done a great job on "The Xtra Factor"." Shephard later signed up to front "DanceX", a BBC One series hunting for a modern-day version of '70s dance outfit Hot Gossip. He was replaced by "Top of the Pops" presenter and BBC Radio 1 DJ Fearne Cotton. Osbourne left after this series and Cheryl Cole replaced her in series 5.