Viewers have called for Dermot O’Leary to take over as the permanent host of The Nightly Show after he impressed them with his debut on the programme.

Fans on Twitter said the X Factor star could “rescue” ITV’s topical entertainment programme, which has struggled in the ratings and has been slated as “cringe-worthy” and “rubbish”.

Dermot O'Leary
Dermot O’Leary (Garrett White/PA)

The show is attempting to replicate the late-night programmes popular in the US and will run for eight weeks, hosted by a series of celebrities.

Previous hosts David Walliams, John Bishop and Davina McCall have all received their share of criticism over their stints.

But many viewers enjoyed Dermot’s light-hearted banter as he interviewed celebrity guests Catherine Tate and Ruby Wax, and suggested he would do well as a permanent fixture.

Others said The Nightly Show has “found its presenter”.