Olly Murs on stage at The Mall Cribbs Causeway for the Christmas Lights switch-on event
Olly Murs has told Bristol24-7 he has backed the show’s decision to axe rock-star wannabe Frankie Cocozza.
The X-factor star was speaking before 7,000 fans turned out to watch him at The Mall’s Christmas Lights Switch On and Concert last night.
He treated fans to a live performance after switching on the lights at Cribbs Causeway, performing his new single “Dance With Me Tonight” which is due to be released on November 20. “It was great to get on stage and perform my new single.” says Olly. “The response I got from the crowd was incredible. My new single went down really well and it was great to get everybody in the Christmas spirit!”
The Mall gave out around 7,000 free tickets to the event which was held in a purpose built outdoor arena, next to the Winter Wonderland. Fans travelled from as far as Cornwall, Wales and Norfolk to watch the Xtra Factor presenter take to the stage.
Speaking before the event, Olly also quashed rumours of a future duet with Robbie Williams, saying: “Me and Robbie are really good mates but people keep asking me about this supposed duet and there really isn’t one. I’m working with Rizzle Kicks at the moment and if there’s other collaborations then great but I’m not planning a duet with Robbie.”
Murs, who was runner up in the sixth series of the X-Factor and who now presents ITV2’s The Extra Factor, praised the show for helping him with his rise to fame and backed the decision to get rid of renegade rock-star wannabe Frankie Cocozza after he broke competition rules. The X-Factor has a zero tolerance policy to things like bad language, binge drinking and drug taking.
The 27-year-old said: “You have to act as a role model on the show because there are a lot of people watching, a lot of kids watching. You have to be conscious of that. It got to the point with Frankie that he had to leave. He shouldn’t had did what he did (sic) and you have no choice but to leave.”
He added: “Regardless of where you come in the show, it gives you a great platform. The further you get in the show, it shows you have got a bit of a fan-base there. If you leave quite early, people obviously didn’t like you.”
The Essex lad is not the only X-Factor personality heading this way for Christmas lights switch-ons either. Next Thursday, the latest X-Factor evictee Johnny Robinson (who was voted off, rather than leaving under a shroud of controversy) will head to nearby Yate for their big Christmas lights switch-on.
Robinson, who publically declared his love for X-Factor judge Gary Barlow, was seen by some of the panel as another Louis Walsh novelty act but Murs disagrees, saying Johnny has the voice to be a serious singer.
He said: “I think so-called ‘novelty’ acts like Johnny Robinson, Two Shoes and Jedward are brilliant for the show. They are entertainers and you want to see acts like that. Johnny and Two Shows are great singers; Jedward maybe not but they sing and dance and they’ve made millions.”
Murs played a headline gig at Bristol’s Colston Hall back in May and said he was happy to be back. But he admitted what he looked forward to most about Christmas was his mum’s roast dinner and the annual family gathering back in Essex.
“I had a really great time when I played Bristol and I’m glad to be back,” he said. “The Mall looks amazing; you’ve got the lights, you’ve got the snow and it’s really lovely.”
