X Factor singer Olly Murs is reportedly descended from two famous circus performers.

Olly’s grandmother Maureen revealed that his great parents, Edward and Kathe Murs, were acrobats back in the 1920s and 30s.

She told The Daily Star: “My husband’s parents came to England from Latvia after the Second World War in 1948.

“But before the war they were part of an internationally famous circus act and travelled all over the world performing.

“My husband’s mother used to balance a pole carrying Edward on her mouth while he stood on top playing a guitar and performing other tricks.

“By all accounts it was an amazing act. “If Olly can pull in the crowds like them he will have done incredibly well.

“It would be fantastic if he could become world-famous like them.”

Maureen also revealed that watching Olly perform on X Factor, often makes her cry.

She added: “I watch Olly every week but I have to record the show and watch it back later as I always start crying when I see him sing and miss it. It takes me about three attempts before I see it all in one go.”