Olly Murs is in line to replace Gary Barlow as a judge on next year’s X Factor.

The Dear Darling singer has had four hit singles since he was a contestant in 2009 and impressed show producers when he appeared on this year’s series as Gary’s guest mentor.

A show insider said, “We’d love to get Olly back as a young judge to freshen things up,”

“He can relate to the other singers like no one else. Crucially, boss Simon Cowell is on good terms with Olly so if he can fit auditions around his career we think he would be perfect.

“Deals won’t be done until the series ends but Olly is a front runner.”

Olly has been tipped to replace Gary Barlow as an X Factor judge

When asked a fortnight ago about his links with X Factor and the chance of joining the panel, Olly said: “I’m always in it... I’m always around so, yes, maybe one day I will be a judge.”

There had been rumours that Gary was set to leave the show to concentrate on his music and the news was confirmed over the weekend.

A spokesperson for X Factor has said no comment will be made on next year’s judging panel as of yet.