Olly Murs talks about going from talent show hopeful to becoming presenter of The X Factor

Olly Murs talks about going from talent show hopeful to becoming presenter of The X Factor. He also chats about being reunited with his co host Caroline Flack. The X Factor can be seen Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8pm on ITV.

Is it weird being backstage as the contestants go on having been in their shoes?

It’s strange being right in the thick of it now. Me and Caroline walked onto the stage when it was empty and it brought back so many memories and emotions talking to Caroline about all the things I went through as a contestant when I walked to that X. It’s a really strange experience, it’s been a crazy six years. It’s nice to be on this side, to help the contestants out and give them some encouragement.

What have you made of the talent this year?

There are some top stars who are going to come out of this show.

Is there anyone in particular that has stood out for you?

There was a girl, she was 17, looked amazing but oh my god, her voice and the way she moved on stage, the way she conducted herself. She took the place by storm. There was a guy, who unfortunately Caroline didn’t see, but he was so unique and out there. I think the public are going to love him. We’ve also seen a girl group who were amazing.

Would you say the quality of the acts is better than it’s ever been?

That’s what’s been great this year, we’ve had people turning up who have been practising for years but we’re also getting a nice blend of guys from a call centre or who work in a pub. It’s a really nice mix this year. They are all really likeable people.

You have big shoes to fill taking over from Dermot, how are you making it different?

Dermot had his own vibe. He was brilliant, but we are trying to create our own thing and have some fun. We are just trying to be ourselves. I would say we are a lot sillier than Dermot. But I think that’s what makes us who we are, we’re having a good time. We’re with the viewers at home, we’re fans of the show, when we’re watching from the side of the stage it’s as if we’re watching it at home.

Simon says there’s sexual chemistry between you and Caroline, is he right?

It would be so weird! We are just best friends. Caroline has been so amazing, when I met her four years ago she has been so brilliant towards me. She’s helped me in this job but once we started working with each other, I knew straight away that Caroline’s going to be a massive part of my life beyond the industry. We are going to be mates for the rest of our lives. It’s amazing to be able to work with your best mate.

There’s a new judging line-up, has it changed the feel of the show?

One thing Simon said to me which I thought was really lovely, he said, ‘Do you know what Olly? I looked to my right and I had Rita, Cheryl and Nick all enjoying it. I looked over at Melvin and Rochelle, they were having a good time. And then I looked over to you guys and you were enjoying it. I feel that this is a really fun, amazing show’. I think that was a really lovely thing for him to say. A couple of years ago it was said in the press that Simon was thinking about retiring and working more behind the scenes. But I think the show this year has reignited something in him, he’s really enjoying it himself.

How are Cheryl and Rita getting on?

It’s a fun show and everyone tuning in is going to see that. That’s the great thing about the panel, for example I drove Cheryl and Rita to work the other day. In the past it was always about the two girls not liking each other, there were fights going on. This year it’s not about that, it’s a team effort. I saw that in the car. Rita had so much respect for Cheryl, Cheryl had so much respect for Rita - they really get on and have a laugh. Grimmy and Simon were in Caroline’s car and they were having a great time too. It’s a fun panel and there’s good banter, they have really been taking the p**s out of each other.

There’s a big age gap between Simon and everyone else, are you bringing the youngster out in him?

He says backstage that I am a bad influence on him. That’s what he told me, I said, ‘Actually, I think you’re more of a bad influence on me, Simon’. I think he’s genuinely loving the show.

Is it weird when people sing your songs in auditions?

I was talking to Rita and Cheryl about it because we are the singers on the show, it’s a massive compliment. It’s really lovely to hear people sing your songs but it’s just really awkward when the judges don’t like it or say no. You see them come off and they are like, ‘It’s you! If I hadn’t sung your song I might have got through’. I didn’t know what to say! Caroline asked me the other day if it’s weird that six years ago I got an audition and now contestants are singing my songs?

One contestant changed all the lyrics to one of your songs though, was that weird?

He was funny because he walked on and he gave me the lyrics. I was at the side of the stage with Caroline, and I was like, ‘Shall I just go on?’. I did and I performed with him.

Looking to the live shows, what are you most excited about?

I think just having such a laugh on live TV. Caroline told me when I first started out that I would love live TV. I couldn’t think of anything worse because it freaked me out, but when we did Xtra Factor we had such a laugh, so I hope people see that when they watch the show.

Courtesy of itv