I’ve got the Xtra Factor… Unlike Konnie
NEW Xtra Factor host Olly Murs has vowed to return the show to its former glory – after Konnie Huq’s disaster last year.
The singer – runner-up in 2009’s The X Factor – is taking over the ITV2 spin-off with Caroline Flack.
Former Blue Peter presenter Konnie, 36, was slated by critics and fans and left after one series.
Olly, 27, promises that he and Caroline, 31, will be better at connecting with the contestants.
He hopes to get inspiration from The X Factor host Dermot O’Leary and Konnie’s predecessor Holly Willoughby.
Olly said he thought Konnie was “great”.
But he added: “Caroline and I can bring a more personal touch and get to know the contestants really well like Dermot does.”
As a past contestant, Olly sympathises with what the latest crop of hopefuls are going through and will try to help them relax.
He said: “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.”
Disaster … Konnie Huq
Olly and Caroline aren’t the only new faces. Take That’s Gary Barlow, N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos and singer Kelly Rowland replace Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue as judges.
Only Louis Walsh and Dermot return from last year’s The X Factor. Olly insists it’s only like a football team bringing in hungry new players and retiring the legends.
He said: “I always look at things like football teams. In any business you have to refresh. No one is bigger than the club.
