Olly Murs backs Rita Ora as new X Factor judge

Olly Murs reckons Rita Ora could make a good judge on The X Factor. Credit: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Showbiz

The new co-host of The X Factor Olly Murs has said Rita Ora would be a great addition as a judge on the hit ITV show.

The Poison singer is hotly tipped to join the judging panel following her stint on rival BBC talent show The Voice, with X Factor supremo Simon Cowell expected to announce the final line-up shortly.

Murs said at Capital's Summertime Ball, "I'll be honest. I think Rita would be a good one because she's done The Voice."

Bookmakers William Hill has suspended betting on the X Factor judges following a run of bets on Ora. The 24-year-old's odds fell from 5/2 to 4/6 before the market was paused at 10.20am this morning.

"We saw a similar gamble shortly before Dannii Minogue joined the panel and it looks like Rita has got the job," William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams predicted.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is tipped to return to her seat, alongside BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw, Cowell and Ora.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is tipped to return to her seat. Credit: Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment

Murs, who is taking over from Dermot O'Leary to co-host the show with presenter Caroline Flack, appeared to confirm Grimshaw could also be on the panel when he added: "She's got a great personality, she's fun and I think her and Grimmy get on well."

The 31-year-old Troublemaker singer said he cannot wait to step into O'Leary's shoes and present the main show, after presenting the ITV2 spin-off show in 2011 and 2012. He quit the role in the 2013 series to focus on his music and was replaced by Matt Richardson.

Rita Ora has already been a judge on the BBC show The Voice. Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Murs, who is dating model Francesca Thomas, also brushed off rumours of any romance with Flack.

"I'm a flirty guy regardless. We have great chemistry, it wasn't just about flirting. We get on really well and we're best mates off camera," the asnake-hipped singer explained.