POP star Olly Murs was in Gwent yesterday signing copies of his new book. MELISSA JONES went to speak to the hundreds of fans who turned out in force to meet him.

FANS of Olly Murs were no doubt thinking “Please don’t let me go” as they hugged their hero in Newport yesterday.

The former X Factor runner- up turned television presenter greeted 300 excited fans with his trademark beaming smile in Tesco Spytty.

Goods stayed on the shelves as checkouts were blocked by hordes of people trying to catch a glimpse of the 28- year-old, who rose to fame in the TV talent show in 2009.

Fans who were lucky enough to have won a wristband for the event waited patiently to meet Mr Murs, who was signing copies of his new book Happy Days.

As the singer greeted them one-by-one with a kiss and a hug, he was handed notes, an ‘I love Olly Murs’ banner and gifts which he placed on a table behind him.

One overjoyed fan even got down on one knee and presented him with a ring.

Fifteen-year-olds Stevie Ball and Nicole Hester were thrilled to have met Olly after a day at school.

Stevie said: “I said hello, he asked if I was well and he kissed us. I’m shaking.”

Abby Thompson, 27, of Newport, brought her son Callum along with partner Lewis James, 25.

“We’ve named one of our pets after him, we have Olly Murs the cat and Jessie J,”

said Ms Thompson.

Carla Dixon, 23, of Blackwood and her friend Caroline Duckett, 49, of Newport, were emotional on meeting the singer.

“We have been here since 2pm. It was absolutely worth the wait, I’m blushing,” said Ms Dixon.

The star was at the supermarket for around two hours and his appearance reduced some to tears, while others chanted his name.