A source said: "The new series of X Factor is going to be a world away from anything the viewers have seen before.

"There will be a new host now Kate has gone and there is a real buzz about the two new judges.

"Chris Moyles appeared on X Factor: Battle Of The Stars last year when they staged a celebrity version for charity.

"Louis and Sharon really liked him and kept saying to Simon they’d love to see him on the show. It seems even Simon is won over by him.

"So that’s why he’s a hot favourite now that Louis has gone."

Bookies tip Chris for X Factor job - Mar 11 2007
Radio 1 ’saviour’ Chris Moyles has been tipped to work his magic on the X Factor’s ratings by replacing Kate Thornton as presenter.

The popular DJ - who has boosted listeners on the BBC station - is the 3/1 favourite to take the helm on the ITV1 talent show after he appeared in the celebrity version last year, according to Ladbrokes.

Spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "Chris is the man to beat. He’s got first hand experience of X Factor, which sets him apart from the field."

But he added: "If he landed the job there’s every possibility he may overshadow Simon Cowell, which could work against him."

Cat Deeley is second favourite for the job on 4/1, with Fearne Cotton on 5/1, while Simon Cowell is 100/1 to give himself the job.

Nick added: "We all know Simon rates himself. He may decide there’s no one more qualified."

Meanwhile, American Idol judge Paula Abdul is 4/1 to replace Louis Walsh as the show’s third judge, with I’m A Celebrity... star Myleene Klass on 6/1.

Chris to dress up as Dafydd - Dec 22 2006
Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles apparently wants to prove he is not anti-gay - and plans to dress up as Little Britain character Dafydd at the station Christmas party tonight.

The 32-year-old will squeeze into the tight rubber costume later to step out as "the only gay in the village" - the role normally played by Matt Lucas, says the Daily Star.

He hopes that he will win over gay campaigners after being criticised in the past for his "negative, homophobic" attitude.

Chris hit the headlines earlier this year after Premiership footballer Rio Ferdinand called him a "faggot" live on air.

Moyles said "you can’t say that" before joking that the comment was "footballing terminology for a funny lad".

He got landed with the Welsh character after inviting listeners to choose characters for the party for him.

Commenting on his skin-tight costume, Chris said: "I don’t need the padding - I’m big enough already."

An insider added: "Chris is game for a laugh - but it won’t be a pretty sight."

More gay controversy for Moyles - Oct 2, 2020
Premiership footballer Rio Ferdinand turned the airwaves blue today after calling Chris Moyles a "faggot" live on air.

The DJ, who has been in hot water himself in the past for swearing during live broadcasts, was given the rebuke during a light-hearted exchange on his Radio 1 breakfast show.

He had been questioning the footballer about who he thought was more attractive of his Manchester United teammates - Alan Smith and Paul Scholes.

Referring to the two players’ nicknames, he said: "If you had to, who would you rather go out with - Smudger or Scholesy?"