Olly Murs has revealed why he decided to sign up for The Voice UK.
The former X Factor finalist is a new coach on the ITV singing show for 2018.
He joins The Voice UK veterans Sir Tom Jones and Will.i.am, plus Jennifer Hudson who returns for a second season after 2017’s debut.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain today, Olly spoke all about signing up – including his own audition for the show.
“I’ve always wanted to help people,” Olly said of deciding to be a part of the competition. “I love the industry I’m in, I love music and coming from The X Factor and having gone through that whole process myself.
“I’ve had so many great medals over the years – for me, to come and do this and see all these amazing contestants with their lives changing and taking the same steps that I took in my career, it’s great to be able to do that. I’m loving it.”
Olly then spoke about how he was taken by surprise when asked to audition for his role in the spinning red chairs.
He explained: “When The Voice asked me to do the show, they said we just want you to be you and have fun. I was like, ‘Are you sure you want me to be me? Because I’m a little bit annoying!’ But no, I have so much fun and I’m having a great time.
“The first time I turned up was in a tracksuit, thinking we’d have a casual chat but it was a full-on audition! They were asking me, ‘Can you pitch?’ I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t do this!’ But I just blagged it basically.”
Meanwhile, Olly insisted that there was no feud between him and X Factor boss Simon Cowell.
Olly, who was runner up on X Factor in 2009 and hosted the 2015 series, said: “I haven’t spoken to him but listen, I’m sure we’re great. I hope so anyway…”
“Listen, The X Factor is The X Factor. It’s been a massive part of my life and I still love it. And I won’t stop watching it, but The Voice pay my wages now,” he added.
The Voice UK continues Saturday night on ITV.
