Olly Murs "hugely gutted" to be leaving The Xtra Factor presenting job as Matt Richardson recruited to replace him

Olly Murs "hugely gutted" to be leaving The Xtra Factor presenting job as Matt Richardson recruited to replace him

Olly Murs has admitted that he is “hugely gutted” about stepping down from his duties as co-host of The Xtra Factor.

The Troublemaker star â€" who was runner-up in the 2009 instalment of the ITV smash hit - tweeted that he is looking to focus on his music instead.

His replacement alongside Caroline Flack will be comedian Matt Richardson. The 21-year-old joked that he aimed to do as good a job as possible because his looks could never outshine those of his predecessor.

"I cannot describe how excited I am to be joining The Xtra Factor,” he said.

“Working with Caroline and the rest of the team will be an incredible experience and I will do my best to be as good as I possibly can, because I'm never going to be as gorgeous as Olly Murs.”

Yessss hugely gutted I'm not doing @xtrafactor this year.. Me caz had such a wicked time together.. Just wanna focus on Music this year!!

â€" Olly Murs (@ollyofficial) May 29, 2013

I'll be back on the show for sure to tease annoy @carolineflack1 but very happy for Mr @mattrichardson3 seems a great guy very funny!!x

â€" Olly Murs (@ollyofficial) May 29, 2013

 

Flack, 33, will return for her third series presenting the ITV2 spin-off show. She admitted that she would miss her former colleague, but praised Matt as “a real find”.

She said: “ Of course I'm going to miss Olly every day, but I am very proud that his music is doing so well all around the world.

“I really feel that Matt will bring something completely different to the show. He's a real find, he makes me laugh and it's great to introduce new talent. I can't wait to get started.”

* The X Factor and The Xtra Factor return to ITV and ITV2 this autumn.