'X Factor': Simon Cowell Defends Olly Murs Following Backlash Over Live Show Blunder

Simon Cowell Responds To Olly's 'X Factor' Critics
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Olly Murs has come under fire a lot during the current series of ‘The X Factor’, but it would seem one person who still has his back is his boss, Simon Cowell.

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Over the past few weeks, Olly’s presenting technique has been heavily criticised by viewers on social media, in particular when he made an unfortunate blunder during a live results show.

But despite speculation that his faux pas could potentially cost Olly his job, Simon has now leaped to his defence, insisting that viewers need to give the ‘Kiss Me’ singer a chance.

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Simon Cowell

“Anyone in that situation is going to screw up. I think the way he handled it was great, it’s part of his charm.”

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Olly's mistake did not go down well with fans of the show

However, while Simon might be full of praise for Olly, The Mirror has also claimed that he’s slightly less taken with his co-host, Caroline Flack.

“But that doesn’t mean they will both necessarily be back on the main show next year.”

Olly was met with a negative reaction online when he prematurely announced that Monica Michael would be going home two weeks ago, though she later insisted that viewers should go easy on him, saying: “I actually felt really sorry for him, because he didn’t mean to do it, and he kept saying, ‘sorry, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry’.”

Former ‘X Factor’ host Dermot O’Leary also reached out to Olly amid the backlash, telling him over Twitter: “Keep that head up. Happens to us all.”

'X Factor': Most Controversial Moments
Emily Nakanda's Happy-Slapping Scandal(01 of06)
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Back in series four, 15-year-old Emily Nakanda was one of the early favourites to win the show, but had to back out, after a video emerged showing her violently attacking another teenage girl.Reports at the time said Emily was asked to leave the competition by producers, or risk being axed. (credit:Ken McKay/Rex)
Frankie Cocozza Oversteps The Mark(02 of06)
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Frankie's hard partying during his time on 'X Factor' in 2011 was well-documented, but it ended up costing him his place in the competition, when he broke one of producers' "golden rules", later reported to have been the use of class-A drugs. (credit:Beretta/Sims/REX)
Grimmy And Rita Join The Show(03 of06)
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The addition of Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora was - at least initially - a controversial one, with some critics wondering whether either of them had the relevant experience to find the UK's hottest talent. (credit:ITV)
The Six Chair Challenge(04 of06)
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The 'Six Chair Challenge' has been a sticking point with 'X Factor' viewers since its debut in 2013. Many have branded the final stage of Bootcamp cruel, with some hopefuls gaining a place at Judges' Houses only to have to give it up later, but Simon Cowell clearly doesn't mind, as it's back for 2015. (credit:Tom Dymond/Thames/Rex)
Louis Walsh Pushes Dannii To Breaking Point(05 of06)
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Louis repeatedly accused Dannii of stealing one of his acts' songs back in 2008, resulting in the 'Put The Needle On It' singer breaking down in tears live on air, and having to vacate the panel at one point to gather herself.Simon jumped to Dannii's defence, telling Louis: "Dannii made the right choice, Louis, if you don't like it, tough."You're always whining and complaining. You two have to kiss and make up." (credit:ITV)
Gamu-Gate(06 of06)
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A turning point for Cheryl's popularity with the British public came when she was met with a backlash for putting both Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel through to the live shows, over viewers' favourite Gamu, despite neither of them finishing their performances at judges' houses.Reports later suggested that Gamu could be facing deportation from the UK - adding to the backlash against Cheryl - though the aspiring singer was later insistent this was not the case. (credit:Ken McKay/TalkbackThames/Rex)