THERE was X Factor heartbreak for Witham's Olly Murs tonight as he finished runner-up in the grand final.

THERE was X Factor heartbreak for Witham's Olly Murs tonight as he finished runner-up in the grand final.

The 25-year-old lost out to favourite Joe McElderry in the public vote, despite wowing judges with a string of impressive performances.

Essex boy Olly was kept in the competition on Saturday night and performed again in a showdown against Joe - but he could not do enough to take the title.

Last night, Olly performed three songs, including a duet with Robbie Williams. The twosome took to the stage to perform hit classic Angels - even though Williams fluffed the opening of the song.

Olly also performed Stevie Wonder's Superstition and Tina Turner's Fool in Love - all of which received praise from the judging panel.

Mentor and X Factor supremo, Simon Cowell, said that Olly's performance of Superstition was “the performance of his life.”

He later added: “I said at the beginning that I took a risk on you. But that risk was the best risk of my life. As a person - I am so proud of you.”

Olly made a triumphant return to his home county on Wednesday and sang about how he would win the television talent show.

Thousands of fans descended on Colchester's Charter Hall as the Olly and his mentor, Simon Cowell, arrived for the red carpet spectacular.