Olly Murs

Four stars

Brighton Centre, Brighton, Monday, May 27

OLLY Murs has come a long way since being runner-up on 2009’s X Factor.

The cheeky chappy from Essex has won a legion of loyal fans and a spot on The Voice judging panel.

Opening to rapturous applause and ear-piercing screams, the singer hit the stage with his single Moves mixed into Ed Sheeran’s Shape Of You.

Murs gyrated and crotch-grabbed alongside slick backing dancers with infectious enthusiasm that whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

This hit-heavy set featured old and new songs plus some covers including Stevie Wonder’s Superstition. Dear Darlin’, Heart Skips A Beat, Thinking Of Me, Wrapped Up and Troublemaker went down a storm but it was the encore of Dance With Me tonight that really lifted the roof off the Brighton Centre.

It has become increasingly popular to criticise singers who have made a career off the back of X Factor but while his music isn’t life changing and his vocals aren’t the strongest, catchy pop melodies and genuine likeability have ensured Olly Murs has stood the test of time.

It was clear by the look on the audience’s faces they had experienced 90 minutes of joy, and you can’t really argue with that.

Gemma Logan