Olly Murs has announced that he's quitting "The Xtra Factor," the spinoff series that features news and interviews with "X Factor" U.K. contestants, judges and guest artists. In an article published on January 27, 2013, Heat magazine's website quoted Murs as saying: "I’ve had two great years on it. To be honest, the way my career is going in terms of music and internationally it looks unlikely that I’ll be able to do it. It’s an amazing part of my career and working with Caroline [Flack] has been great."
Murs and Caroline Flack joined "The Xtra Factor" in May 2011 as co-hosts. They replaced Konnie Huq on the show.
He told the media in late 2011 that he was probably going to quit the show, but he changed his mind and signed on for another season in 2012. However, he was unable to attend "X Factor" U.K. auditions, boot camp and "judges' houses"in 2012 because he was busy doing a North American tour with One Direction, and then working on his third U.K. album, "Right Place Right Time," which debuted at No. 1 in the U.K in November 2012.
There's no word yet if Murs will be replaced or if Flack will host "The Xtra Factor" solo. Flack has not announced yet if she is remaining on the show.
Rylan Clark, who came in fifth place on "The X Factor" U.K. in 2012, is rumored to be a possible replacement for Murs. Clark told Digital Spy on January 25, 2013: "My dream job would be presenting on 'The Xtra Factor,' and I know my name has been banded about, but it's an honor that I've even been mentioned."
Murs came in second place on "The X Factor" U.K. in 2009. He has since had several No. 1 hits in the U.K. and Ireland. He has also had big hits in Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Australia and Switzerland.
As previously reported, Murs is making his U.S. TV acting debut on the CW show "90210" in an episode whose air date is to be announced. On January 24, 2013, he appeared on the syndicated U.S. talk show "Live! With Kelly and Michael," and he is filming an appearance on the syndicated celebrity news show "Extra" on January 28, 2013. Murs is also doing a mini-tour of the U.S. in January 2013.
Syco Music/Columbia Records announced that, after multiple delays, Murs' first U.S. album, "Right Place Right Time," will be released in the U.S. on April 16, 2013. The U.K. and U.S. versions of the album have different tracks. The first two U.K. singles from "Right Place Right Time" are "Troublemaker" and "Army of Two."
Murs has been struggling to get a big hit in America. His first two U.S. singles have had lackluster sales: On Billboard's Hot 100 songs chart, "Heart Skips a Beat" peaked at No. 96 in 2012, while "Troublemaker" entered the chart at No. 87 in January 2013. It remains to be seen if Murs' exposure on U.S. radio and TV will be enough for him to have a major breakthrough in the U.S. by having a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 or Billboard 200 album chart.
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