POP star Olly Murs has accused contestants on The X Factor of lacking the commitment and devotion required to make it in music ahead of a concert in Hove.

The singer has enjoyed one of the the most successful careers of any former contestant on the television talent show, selling over 10 million records since finishing runner-up to Joe McElderry in 2009.

He returned to the show as co-presenter with Caroline Flack last year having worked on spin-off The Xtra Factor previously.

Speaking exclusively to The Argus before a date at 1st Central County Ground in Hove next July, Murs said that some X Factor contestants felt they had "already made it" when they appeared on the show.

"I felt that over the years many contestants started believing their own hype and not necessarily focusing on what they were to do – be a successful musician," he added. "Simon (Cowell, X Factor judge) said the same on many occasions."

"That's not the truth – it's about what you do after the show that counts."

Murs however said it was an "amazing experience" to present the programme, despite not returning for this year's series which was won by Matt Terry.

"Getting asked to host the biggest show on television is an opportunity you can't refuse. At the time I thought I'd like to branch out and go into TV, and that was great, but I was reminded that music is the most important thing to me."

The singer's latest album, 24 Hrs, was released earlier this year and focuses in part on his 2015 break-up with model Francesca Thomas.

"I wanted to write about personal things I was experiencing at the time," said Murs. "The songs I wrote about my ex and my relationship were the ones I gravitated towards when it came to making the album.

"It's important to highlight in relationships that you sometimes need to look at your own flaws rather than anybody else's. I wasn't perfect in the relationship and I'm happy to admit that."

See page 23 of tomorrow's paper for a full interview with Olly Murs.