Olly Murs has opened up on Caroline Flack and Harry Styles' relationship.

Flack and One Direction star Styles dated after the singer left the show in 2010, but their 15 year age gap courted controversy and they eventually split up.

Speaking to New magazine, Murs - who is a close friend and colleague of Xtra Factor's Flack - said that the presenter spoke to him a couple of times about her relationship with Styles.

He said that it was a "tough time" for Flack but he added that he didn't want to interfere in the breakup because of his friendship with the One Direction star. Murs said:

"Obviously, there have been stories about her she hasn't liked and she can always confide in me. I care a lot about her. She's a lovely girl and sometimes you can't help who you fall for. It was not a nice time for her, but I think she handled it really well."

He continued: "It was a tough time for her, but I'm friends with Harry as well and I didn't want to get involved in it too much. Caroline spoke to me about it a couple of times, but it's her private life and her affair to deal with."

Murs also commented on suggestions that One Direction could perform on this year's X Factor live shows, saying: "Of course it would be a little bit difficult, but I'm sure Caroline would be fine. She's very thick-skinned and I'm sure she and Harry have spoken since their split."