Olly Murs Compares His 'X Factor' Exit To Chris Evans' 'Top Gear' Stint

Olly Murs has compared his time presenting ‘The X Factor’ to Chris Evans’ short stint at the helm of ‘Top Gear’, admitting they both had “big shoes to fill”.

The ‘You Don’t Know Love’ singer stepped down from presenting the ITV show earlier this year after just one series presenting, having received a lukewarm response during his time as host.

Looking ahead to the new series, which will see Dermot O’Leary resuming his presenting duties, Olly told Virgin Radio’s Total Access: “Obviously Dermot is Mr X Factor.

“I think it’s a bit like Chris Evans coming into ‘Top Gear’. Chris Evans is not a bad presenter – he’s amazing and one of the best – but when you fill in for someone like Jeremy Clarkson there’s very big shoes to fill. [A] bit like when me and Caroline [Flack] did X Factor.”

He continued: “What Simon’s done is brought back a lot of the familiar faces. I’m sure it’ll be a success.”

Following poor reviews and ailing ratings, Chris announced earlier this month that he was quitting ‘Top Gear’, with just six episodes under his belt.

He wrote on Twitter at the time: “[I] gave it my best shot but sometimes that’s not enough. The team are beyond brilliant, I wish them all the best.”

Meanwhile, the new series of ‘The X Factor’ is thought to be kicking off next month, with Simon Cowell joined by returning judges Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh.

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