Olly Murs reveals break-up heartache

The 31-year-old singer split from his girlfriend of three years Francesca Thomas earlier this year, and has revealed he's been making a conscious effort to occupy his time with work and other activities ever since.

Olly explained: "Christmas will be weird as it's the first time I've been single over the festive period for three years.

"Francesca and I had some great times together so to get through the break-up I've had to throw myself into work and keep busy."

In recent months, Olly has been presenting the UK version of 'The X Factor', and he admits it's been a welcome distraction.

He told OK! magazine: "'The X Factor' has taken over my life a bit. I'm really enjoying it, though!"

He revealed, too, that he's relishing the experience of presenting a TV show alongside his friend and rumoured love interest Caroline Flack, despite some of the criticism that has come their way.

He shared: "I'd have been naive to think that I wouldn't be in for some criticism.

"People have very strong opinions about the show; we cant expect them all to be good. 

"It's easy for people to sit at home and criticise me but I'm a singer not a presenter - it was always going to take me and Caroline a few weeks to find our feet.

"I think our dynamic is working well, we're both becoming more and more relaxed as the weeks go on."