"There's something in the water in Witham,” according to one of Olly Murs’ best pals.

Matt Dean, who has known X Factor sensation Olly for about eight years, said the town is the top place for talent after another of their friends, footballer Cody McDonald, signed for Norwich City Football Club in February.

McDonald, a former Witham Town FC striker, scored on his Norwich debut on March 10 and Matt, of Little Baddow, said he is “missing a trick” not living in Witham.

Matt, who met Olly when their ex-girlfriends were best friends, said Witham’s favourite son is getting better every week.

“Knowing him as I do, I always thought he would have the talent to shock people and go on and win it,” said Matt, 24.

“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 would 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 a treble winning Witham Town FC reserve side in 2006, said Olly is supporting the much-maligned John and Edward.

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

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

Matt, who used to play as a winger for Witham and now works in the City, said the team would often enjoy nights out in Chelmsford where Olly and his twin brother Ben would steal the show.

“We would watch Olly and Ben own the dancefloor, they would be incredible,” he said.

He said the consistent praise Olly has received from the judges might wane a little as Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh look to protect their own acts.

But Matt is sure Olly’s talent will keep shining through and see him into the final.

“The judge’s opinions might not be as brilliant as they were in the opening weeks,” Matt said.

“Olly is such a strong contestant the judges are worried about their own acts.

“Everyone loves Olly and wants him to do well. I wouldn’t worry too much about what the judges have to say. The performance at the weekend was one of his best.”

Matt, who was in the audience on November 1, when Bon Jovi and JLS performed, said Olly is more than capable of performing modern tracks in future weeks, something Cheryl Cole asked for last Saturday night.

He said Olly has an eclectic music taste and he listens to everything from Michael Jackson and Oasis to Stevie Wonder and the Backstreet Boys.