Olly Murs insists ‘The X Factor’ is still "one of the best" shows around, so he would "hate" to see the programme axed.
The ‘Voice’ coach – who was a runner-up on the sixth series of ‘The X Factor’ in 2009 – feels a special connection to the programme after shooting to fame on the show, and he doesn’t want it to finish because fewer wannabes will be given an opportunity to make it into the big time.
He said: "I’d hate to see a show like ‘The X Factor’ not be on TV anymore, because it’s still one of the best.
"It’s about finding talent and giving [people] a chance to have a career in music and that’s still got to be the goal of what we’re all trying to achieve.
"I came from that show and I’d hate to see that be taken away – because that’s a dream taken away from another young lad, young girl or group out there that won’t be given that opportunity."
Olly also admitted he and ‘X Factor’ boss Simon Cowell have a strong mutual respect for one another, and he appreciates what the music mogul has done for his career.
He added to the BBC: "We had a good chat over the summer. He’s a great guy and there was a potential maybe that I was going to do ‘X Factor’ this year, but it [didn’t] happen and we’re good friends.
"We’ve got nothing but respect for each other. And I’ve got nothing but respect for what he’s given me in my career."
Olly’s comments come shortly after he admitted that while he was keen to be an ‘X Factor’ judge, he "always wanted" to coach on ‘The Voice’.
He said: "I made no secret about wanting to do it [‘The X Factor’] again.
"I had loads of offers of different things. But ‘The Voice’ was always the one that I wanted. I love the show very much. It’s fantastic and it’s great to be here."
Olly Murs: X Factor is one of best shows around
