Olly Murs: "2011 Was The Toughest Year Of My Life"

2 January 2012, 16:04 | Updated: 2 January 2012, 16:09

The 'Heart Skips A Beat' singer says he has big plans for the next year after going through a busy twelve months establishing his solo music career.

Olly Murs says he is excited about the potential for 2012 after going through what he describes as the "toughest year" of his life.

The 'Dance With Me Tonight' singer released his second album 'In Case You Didn't Know' in 2011 and also co-hosted ITV2 series The Xtra Factor, but says he loved being as busy as he was.

"The last 12 months have been a period of progression – but busy. I've worked hard," Olly said in The Daily Star this week. "It's been the toughest year of my life, but in a positive way. 

"I know that it's very difficult to stay fresh and for people to still like you so it's matured me this year."

The 'Heart Skips A Beat' singer also said he is looking forward to surprising people on his first UK arena tour, which begins at the start of February. 

"It's a massive step for me," he explained. "The one thing I'm really keen to show people is, 'Yes I'm from The X Factor but I'm not the typical contestant you've had in the past eight years."

Olly Murs kicks off his UK tour at Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena on 1^st February.