Olly Murs has admitted that he’s thrilled about the appointment of Nicole Scherzinger on The X-Factor judging panel.

The ‘Heart Skips A Beat’ star, who co-hosts the ITV2 spin-off show, The Xtra Factor, told The Sun that he’s looking forward to working with the former Pussycat Dolls singer:

“I think Nicole’s going to be brilliant. The whole panel will be great.

“She’s gorgeous. I remember hugging her for like the longest hug ever last year. I’m worried about meeting her because maybe she thinks I’m some stalker.

“She came on The Xtra Factor and I gave her this 50-second hug. She was like, ‘What is this guy doing?’ So I’m obviously a bit worried about meeting her again.”

The 28-year-old, who will miss the filming of the initial audition stages due to his music commitments, also went on to sing the praises of another of the talent show’s judges, Gary Barlow:

“He is an incredible guy and I’m lucky that I get to work with him on The X Factor.

“To be in his company and speak to him on a regular basis... he’s a top, top guy. He’s been brilliant.”