With a third album, a new book and a return to X Factor on the way, Olly Murs is going to be busy over the next few months. He tells Chris Price about success in the States, One Direction mania and potential collaborations…

Tucking into breakfast offered a rare moment of calm for Olly Murs, chatting in central London ahead of his headline slot at in Kent this weekend.

Relaxing before going into songwriting sessions for his third album, due out in November, the Essex charmer has just got back from six hard weeks of touring the US with One Direction.

The road ahead does not look any easier for the former X Factor finalist, who will return to presenting duties on the Xtra Factor in October.

Add to that promotional obligations for a new book out in September – Happy Days which covers the last five to six years of his life – and the small matter of his summer festival dates.

It makes a conversation over breakfast seem like a walk in the park.

“It’s a busy old time but I’m enjoying every minute of it,” said Olly, in his characteristically enthusiastic tone.

He shunned the idea it was strange to support One Direction in the States after watching their meteoric rise in last year’s Xtra Factor.

“I wouldn’t say it was weird,” he said. “Of course I have done my own tours in the UK but over there it is different. In America I am starting from scratch and the One Direction tour was a perfect chance for me to get to know the fans.

“It was the first time I have ever been in front of One Direction’s fan base and I have never seen anything like it. Girls were running after the buses. It was quite dangerous at times, they are insane but their response was amazing. They loved all my music and sang along to all the songs. It was very loud.”

Olly’s live set at the Sound Island Festival includes a few covers of the likes of Madness, the Clash and Stevie Wonder, the latter being a crowd pleaser for those who remember his first X Factor audition in 2009. His buddies Rizzle Kicks are on the bill beforehand, so a reunion for their No1 single Heart Skips A Beat might be on the cards.

“I haven’t spoken to the lads,” said Olly. “If they are there backstage then they are always welcome to come on stage with me – they know that, but I don’t know what they have got planned. I’m not going to be on until late and that song is near the end of the set but if they are around I would love them to come out.

“They are great guys and we really get on well. The success of Heart Skips A Beat was brilliant and hopefully we can do another collaboration in the future.”

Perhaps something on the new album? Olly remains tight-lipped but left the door open on a collaboration with another big name somewhere along the line. “There will potentially be a collaboration on a new single. That’s all I’m going to say.”

60 seconds with Rizzle kicks

The nu-school rappers return to Kent with their buddy Olly Murs after their Olympic Torch Relay concerts.

John or Edward from Jedward? Neither they are both annoying.

Favourite food? Harley: Mash potato, beans and cheese. Jordan: I love a good steak.

First single you ever bought? Harley: My Name Is by Eminem on tape cassette. Jordan: Freestyler by Bomfunk MCs.

One thing you can’t stand? Jordan: Jedward and people who make noise when they eat.

Where would you go on a first date? Jordan: London Zoo. Harley: Barbados. Jordan: Barbados? Harley: It’s a classic first date venue.

Also to look out for...

Rizzle Kicks support Olly on Sunday, July 29, at the Sound Island Festival.

The hip hop duo are joined by Diana Vickers, Cover Drive, The Only Way Is Essex singer Jessica Wright and A*M*E and I Am Tich.

: Diana Vickers was an X Factor semi-finalist in 2008. Her debut single, Once, hit No.1 in 2010.

: TOWIE’s Jessica Wright releases Dance All Night later this year.

: A*M*E, 17, was born in war-torn Sierra Leone and 19-year-old Tich has already toured with Justin Bieber.

Best of British for festival line-up

James headline a Best of British line-up on the opening day of the Sound Island Festival on Saturday, July 28.

The 1990s rockers, famous for hits Sit Down, Come Here and She’s A Star, cap off a night which also includes Echo & The Bunnymen, Cast, Inspiral Carpets, The Farm and Space.

Echo & The Bunnymen produced hit The Cutter. Cast’s live performances have been described by Noel Gallagher as a “religious experience” and Inspiral Carpets emerged from the 1990s Madchester scene. The Farm are best known for hit All Together Now and Space made singles such as Female of the Species.

Sound Island Festival takes place on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29, at Quex Park, near Margate. Saturday tickets £35 and Sunday tickets £32.50. Box office 01843 296111.