Former X Factor contestant Olly Murs has admitted that he was ‘gutted’, when Joe McElderry lost out on Christmas number one.

Murs told RTÉ: “It was like a battle, wasn’t it, to the end? I was actually gutted for him. I think he deserved it.

“It’s a shame really because I think he’s the only X Factor winner now that hasn’t got No 1. I think that’s a bit of a shame.

“I actually think it’ll help him, I think it might help him in some ways. I think that the next time he brings out his next single, or obviously his album that he produces, people are going to want to buy his single now and make a point.”

He added: “I just think, Rage Against The Machine, a great song but is it really a song for Christmas? No. That’s the thing.

“I think most people are like that, they like the song but it’s not a Christmas song.