Olly Murs speaks out about X Factor experience as ex-stars slam ITV show

Olly Murs has defended the legacy of The X Factor after a string of stars slammed the programme. The show, created by Simon Cowell, has produced some of the biggest names in music, but while the majority of the contestants celebrate their experience, others have hit out at it.

In recent years, the programme has come under fire, with some former stars claiming that there was a lack of care – an allegation which has been strongly denied by the production team. After 2011, the programme began to see a decline in viewing figures before it was announced in July 2021 that it would no longer air.

Over the course of its tenure on TV, the show produced winners including the likes of Leona Lewis, Rak-Su, Little Mix, Ben Haenow, Louisa Johnson and Matt Cardle. Meanwhile, other successful artists such as One Direction, Olly Murs, Fleur East, Stacey Solomon and Rebecca Ferguson have gone on to have successful careers, despite not winning. It comes after reports of all the celebrities rumoured to be joining BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025.

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But Olly, who has been fiercely loyal to the programme, has now opened up about the legacy and how important it has been in the music industry. "I think there's no doubt we can all sit here and say that the X Factor was huge," he commented.

Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire ahead of his headline slot, turning on the Blackpool Illuminations on August 29, he continued: "It's hugely successful for creating such stars, from the One Direction boys, to Harry Styles, Niall has obviously done things, Louis, I mean, all the boys from that band came out and did great stuff.

"You know, me, James Arthur, Little Mix, Lucy Spraggan – there's some real, I mean, the list goes on and on, to be honest. Alexandra Burke! There have been endless people who have come. Stacey Solomon, of course, even though she's not doing music, she's doing so well herself."

Olly went on to say: "There's just so many over the years that have just had such big careers. That's the thing. That's what the show was built on, bringing young people off the street or young people an opportunity and a chance to change their lives forever. We took it and embraced it and look where we are now."

Speaking about turning on the iconic Blackpool Illuminations, Olly told the press: "Very honoured to be asked, over the years so many iconic artists have done it so it's going to be a cool night and I’m very excited to do it." Reflecting on being asked, Olly revealed: "Surprised but happy and I've no doubt will be a super day, plus all the tickets are free for the event."

But what will the cheeky Essex chap be performing on the night? He explained: "Yeah, I'll be performing a full set with all the hits, and yes, I'll be playing new music which is exciting for me! Looking forward to the fans getting to hear it."

"Dance With Me Tonight," he revealed would be his one song to sum up the experience of Blackpool, as he explained: "Blackpool is a place for the families to have fun and enjoy the festivities all year round. From young kids to grandmas, this song gets everyone moving! I look forward to seeing everyone dance to it."

For more information on this year's Switch-On event and Blackpool Illuminations, please visit: visitblackpool.com/switchon. The switch on takes place on Friday, August 29.

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