Exclusive: Murs "scared" to ask Cowell for 'X Factor' gig

X Factor runner-up Olly Murs has admitted that he is "too scared" to ask Simon Cowell if he can perform on the show.

Past contestants Alexandra Burke, JLS and Leona Lewis all sang on live shows last year, but Murs - who releases his debut single 'Please Don't Let Me Go' on August 30 - has yet to be asked to return.

"I haven't brought it up with [Simon], because I'm too scared to ask! Having been on the show last year, of course I'd love to come back and perform, but I haven't had the call yet," he told DS.

"Honestly, it would be an honour to be asked back. They attract some amazing international artists because it's the biggest show on the telly, but it's great when they get a bit of English talent on there too."

However, Murs revealed that he has spoken extensively to Cowell, his mentor on the ITV1 singing contest, about other aspects of his music career.

"He's such a busy man obviously so I don't see him much, but I've spoken to him loads on the phone - much more than I expected actually. He's just such a huge character," he said.

"He's been really involved in my career so far - he really wanted to be part of the A&R process and help pick the singles and things like that. He's heard all the tracks on the album actually and he says he loves it, which is a great confidence boost for me."

> Click here to read our full interview with Olly Murs