Olly Murs Is A "Front Runner" To Replace Gary Barlow On The X Factor UK Panel?

15 October 2013, 10:10

The 'Troublemaker' singer is said to have impressed producers enough for a potential full-time role on the show.

Olly Murs is said to be a "front-runner" to join the judging panel of The X Factor UK next year when Gary Barlow leaves his role on the show.

The 'Army Of Two' singer joined Gary for Judges' Houses on this year's series to help the Take That star pick his acts for live shows, and is said to have impressed the show's producers enough for them to consider him joining on a permanent basis.

"We'd love to get Olly back as young judge to freshen things up," a source close to the show told The Mirror this week. "He can relate to the other singers like no one else.

"Crucially, Simon Cowell is on good terms with Olly so if he can fit auditions around his career we think he would be perfect," they added. "Deals won't be done until the series ends, Olly is a front-runner."

Check out a picture of Olly Murs performing live on stage below:

Earlier this week it was confirmed that Gary Barlow will bow out from The X Factor UK after this year's series, to refocus on his solo music and work with Take That.

Olly Murs previously served as a co-shot on The Xtra Factor for two years, while he came runner-up on the series itself back in 2009.