THOUSANDS of fans are set to turn out in a massive show of support for Essex boy and X Factor finalist Olly Murs when he comes to Colchester tonight.

James Hore

THOUSANDS of fans are set to turn out in a massive show of support for Essex boy and X Factor finalist Olly Murs when he comes to Colchester tonight.

The 25-year-old from Witham announced a one-off show at Colchester's Charter Hall and fans rushed out to snap-up the 1,200 free tickets within four hours.

Many more people are expected to turn-up just to catch a glimpse of the man that judge Simon Cowell has dubbed the “boy next-door”.

He may be the bookmakers' outsider for this weekend's grand final, but he is a sure-fire favourite with the fans and the chances of him bringing home the title to Essex cannot be ruled out.

A spectacular red carpet extravaganza is being lined-up with a fireworks display set to mark the event.

Traffic chaos expected in the area around Cowdray Avenue the event's organisers have urged people to leave their cars at home and use public transport.

Meanwhile, Olly's best mate Lee Phillippo , told the EADT he believed the Essex sensation was a better choice of X Factor winner than current favourite Joe McElderry.

The 23-year-old from Tiptree, near Colchester, said: “We were with him for about two hours backstage on Saturday and he was saying if he had not gone through he would have been devastated having come so far.

“He really did want to make the final - he would love to win it, but anything now is a bonus.

“It is strange because three weeks ago Olly was the favourite. I think it has been a case of poor song choices for him from Simon that has made the difference.

“If he had been given Black or White or Beat It in the Michael Jackson week, I think that would have put him up there as the favourite still.

“I think Joe has a better voice, no doubt about it, but I think he is boring. He is suited for the West End, but he is not the entertainer that Olly is.

“I think Joe is another Leon Jackson (a previous X Factor winner who has all but disappeared from the public view) who will have one big song and an album and that will be it.

“Olly's voice is not the strongest, but he is the whole package.”

Sharon Carter, marketing and communications officer for Charter Hall, praised Olly as a “great representative” for the county.

She said: “Parking is going to be extremely, extremely restricted on the night, so we are really trying to discourage people coming by car.

“We would like people to come on foot or by public transport because car parking is going to be limited.”

Olly is due to arrive at Charter Hall at 7pm, but fans have been urged to get to the venue as soon as possible.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk