Kent is a mecca for music makers, and this summer Olly Murs joins the big names heading to the county. Here, he talks X Factor, cricket and nerves ahead of his date with Kent.

Olly Murs is on a bit of a high. His latest album – 24 HRS – became his fourth successive No.1 album when it was released just before Christmas, making him the most successful solo artist ever to come from ITV’s X Factor. And he’ll be setting off on his 2017 tour, including Canterbury, in July.

Having shot to fame with the X Factor in 2009, Olly has carved out a career for himself since, as a singer, performer, presenter and songwriter.

“I’m really proud that I wrote most of the songs on this album,” he said. “All the hits I have had, I have written. I probably had about 60 or 70 songs to choose from.”

He may have come a long way since the ITV talent show, but he’s the first to say he wouldn’t be where he is today without it.

“I’m really proud of what I have achieved from The X Factor,” he said. “I’m super, super proud of that. That show gave me everything and I’ll never forget that. I’ve always been a big fan of the show. Even the presenting I did in 2015 I enjoyed. I have just worked so hard for the last few years to keep being successful.

“The album feels really exciting. It was a really good end to 2016 for me, spending time with friends and family and spending time with my fans.”

His outdoor dates bring him to the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury, on Friday, July 7. And it’s an appropriate venue for the cricket-loving 32-year-old.

“I am a big cricket fan,” he said. “My mum sponsors Witham Cricket Club where I grew up in Essex and I have friends that play for them. I’m always going to watch my local Essex team. I hope we don’t mess up the pitch in Canterbury!”

“I wanted to go to different places that I haven’t been to in a long time. That’s what this tour is about. I’m looking forward to it.”

Before the summer tour he’s also playing 23 UK shows including three O2s and the opening night of the Teenage Cancer Trust shows.

But as a household name for eight years, does he ever feel the pressure of live shows?

“I do get a bit nervous sometimes,” he said. “But it is nice to feel that about the shows. It shows you care about what you are doing. I have a bit of a poker face, so you probably can’t tell! You have to be in front of the camera and people in this job, though, and on stage we have a laugh and a joke. That is what I love to do.”

DETAILS

Olly Murs plays the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury, on Friday, July 7.
Tickets cost £39.50 and £55 for the Platinum enclosure. For details visit ollymurs.com, ticketmaster.co.uk or lhgtickets.com

Tickets are all standing. Limited disabled tickets are available from Kent Cricket while stocks last – to book, call 01227 456 886.