CASUAL observers will may be astonished that Olly Murs has retained that most fickle of fan bases: the TV talent show devotee.

Murs appears to be the only solo star of substance to build a sustainable career from the UK version of X-Factor, Leona Lewis having gone AWOL long ago. He has managed to attract an audience which took the likes of George Michael, Robbie Williams and Take That years to secure.

Many regular guys in their twenties and thirties who would not be seen dead with a One Direction album can happily attend an Olly Murs gig or to have Wrapped Up playing on the car stereo. Murs is relatively cool and likeable, and over four albums he has delivered the best kind of pop.

But who would have guessed that Paul Weller was a fan? The Modfather contacted Murs to congratulate him on his cover of Broken Stones and ended up collaborating on the album’s closing track, Let Me In.

Never Been Better is that all too rare specimen, an almost perfect pop album. The lead single Wrapped Up is already a party favourite and Up, a collaboration with Demi Lovato, is one of the hottest tracks on day-time radio. Both are infused with easy swagger and cocky enthusiasm. Potentially a collection with five hit singles, this album also includes the joyous Did You Miss Me, Beautiful To Me, as well as the Weller collaboration on what could well be one of the most successful and cherished albums of the year.

A squadron of high-flying pens for hire and crack production teams have been enlisted to ensure the campaign is unbeatable, although Murs himself does have writing credits on 11 of the 13 superlative tracks.

The 1950s introduced the UK to Tommy Steele, Bruce Forsyth and Cliff Richard. All three are still going strong. The good money will be on Olly Murs to be the artist of his generation.

Olly Murs plays Sheffield Motorpoint Arena on March 31 and April 1 2015.