<p><br /> Olly Murs has been singing the praises of his home county, revealing the secret of the Essex charm.<br /> </p><p><br /> The X Factor runner-up is one of a growing list of credible artists from the area, including Jessie J and Matt Cardle.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Essex is probably the place to be at the moment," the 26-year-old said.<br /> </p><p><br /> "We're just nice, down to earth people. We just have a laugh and have fun, we don't take ourselves too seriously."<br /> </p><p><br /> Olly came second to Joe McElderry on The X Factor in 2009, and has since built a successful music career, topped off by a Brit Award nomination for Best British Single.<br /> </p><p><br /> If he was not being a top pop artist though, Olly reckons he would like to captain a cruise ship.<br /> </p>
