Olly Murs has won over his new colleagues on The Voice, with Will.i.am saying he is likeable because he is “shell-less”.

The singer, 33, has taken his seat on the ITV show alongside returning coaches Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones and Jennifer Hudson.

Black Eyed Peas star Will said Murs has been “great to work with” as they film the blind auditions, because he does not put up barriers.

He said: “He’s a likeable kind of guy.

“There are some people that are hard to get to know because they put these shells up.

“But he’s shell-less. He’s a turtle without a shell. Which is pretty much a lizard… but he’s great.”

The singer said Murs has managed to persuade some of the wanted acts to work with him.

“Olly has won a couple where there were three turners,” he said.

Will.i.am
Will.i.am (Ian West/PA)

Host Emma Willis said Murs had taken to the singing contest like “a duck to water”.

“It’s like he has been doing it for years,” she said.

“He is so comfortable in that seat. He is so charismatic, isn’t he, that you just can’t help but love him.”

Coach Jennifer Hudson said all eyes are on her this series as she is the reigning champion. She also hinted that her winning act Mo Adeniran may perform on The Voice during the new series.

She said while some serious talent has been uncovered so far during shooting, she is still looking for that “jaw-dropping stop the show” moment.

Murs replaces Gavin Rossdale, who was on this year’s show.

:: The new series of The Voice UK will air on ITV early next year.