Simon Cowell's record label co-sign X Factor star Olly Murs

X Factor runner-up Olly Murs signed a record deal today which will see him working jointly with Simon Cowell's label. (REX FEATURES)

X Factor runner-up Olly Murs signed a record deal today which will see him working jointly with Simon Cowell's label.

The singer, who lost out to Joe McElderry in the final of the TV talent show, has already begun work on his debut album.

Murs - currently on the X Factor live tour - has signed a joint deal between his TV mentor Cowell's firm Syco Music and Epic Records, which signed previous runners-up JLS.

Sonny Takhar, managing director of Syco, said: "We are thrilled to be involved with Olly - as an artist he ticks every box. We are also looking forward to working with Nick and the great team at Epic."

And Nick Raphael, managing director of Epic, said: "He is a big personality and we hope to make a big record on which we can showcase his obvious talents."