POP megastar Robbie Williams has backed Witham’s Olly Murs to win the X Factor.

Mr Willaims told Liverpool’s Radio City 96.7: “He entertains, he’s good looking, he can sing and he’s funny.

“He’s a proper lad. I’ve met him and he’s a really lovely lad.”

Meanwhile, one of Olly’s best pals has said fame on the show will not change him.

Matt Dean, 24, who has known Olly for about eight years, said: “Knowing him as I do, I always thought he would have the talent to shock people and go on to win it.

“He is showing his real personality and that’s part of what makes him so good. He always performs with a smile on his face and he is so down to earth.

“I think he will always stay that way and nothing will change him, as he has those values. He loves his music, his football and his family.”

Matt, who along with Olly, 25, was part of the treble-winning Witham Town FC reserve side in 2006, said Olly is supporting the much-maligned John and Edward.

He said: “Olly has nothing but good things to say about them. They create a good atmosphere about the X Factor house, and he said they work as hard as anyone on their performances.”

Matt said he had “faith in the public” that as the show progresses, one of the “proper” artists will win.

But he warned the consistent praise Olly has received from the judges might wane as Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh look to protect their own acts.

Matt added that Olly has an eclectic music taste, and listens to everything from Michael Jackson and Oasis to Stevie Wonder and the Backstreet Boys.