Olly Murs: Xtra Factor will return to former glory

Olly Murs has vowed to help 'The Xtra Factor' return to its former glory.

The 'Thinking Of Me' hitmaker - who will co-host the 'X Factor' spin-off show alongside Caroline Flack when it returns to ITV2 this autumn - is hoping the pair will connect with contestants in a similar way to Dermot O'Leary, who hosts the main series.

However, he doesn't look set to be getting any tips from former 'Xtra Factor' presenter Konnie Huq, who was axed from the show after a succession of gaffe-prone appearances.

Olly said: "Caroline and I can bring a more personal touch and get to know the contestants really well like Dermot does. Konnie unfortunately didn't really bring that last year even though I thought she was great.

"What makes Dermot so good on the main show is that he is so down to earth. Within a second you almost feel Dermot is one of your best mates. Hopefully that's what Caroline and I can bring to it.

"We are also going to be like their mates. I hope my experience of the show will rub off on the contestants and we'll get the best out of them."

However, the 27-year-old singer - who landed a runner-up spot on 'The X Factor' in 2009 - thinks the main show could get a "bit heated" when it gets to the final stages of the competition, despite judges Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland being very close.

Olly added to The Sun: "It could get a bit heated. Kelly is very strong - and is likely to say, 'I want my team to win', And Tulisa's going to be like, 'You'd better watch it!'"