Olly Murs: Everything you need to know about the pop star
From music to television - he's got it all!
Pop star Olly Murs has been around for well over a decade! With a successful singing career as well as being a regular face on the presenting circuit, we'd almost forgotten that he rose to fame after appearing on The X Factor back in 2009!
Despite not winning the series, as a runner-up, Olly has had a very successful music career with many Number 1 songs, 'Please Don't Let Me Go', 'Heart Skips a Beat', 'Dance with Me Tonight' and 'Troublemaker'. Here's everything you need to know about him...
Olly Murs new music
Olly's most recent release was in December 2022, when he released his seventh studio album, 'Marry Me', which featured his comeback song 'Die of a Broken Heart'. 'Marry Me' went to hit the Number 1 spot in the UK.
Olly Murs' journey from The X Factor to now
Before releasing his seventh album 'Marry Me' on 2nd December, Olly shared a video re-introducing himself and his journey from The X Factor to now.
Olly Murs' new record deal
In August 2022, Olly announced he had signed a new record deal and would be releasing music, his first album in over four years. He shared a screenshot of an article about him saying: 'New chapter, new music, im backkkk 🔜 🤘🏻🤩'. (sic)
Olly then went onto release his single 'Die of a Broken Heart' on 7th October 2022 AND announced his seventh album 'Marry Me' in the process! Taking to Twitter, he wrote: 'MARRY ME 💒 02.12.22 My brand new album is available to pre-order/ pre-save and pre-add NOW.
'I’m absolutely buzzing for you to hear this one. It’s genuinely the best music I’ve ever done! The 1st single ‘Die of a Broken Heart’ is out today so make sure to give it a listen.'
Olly later embarked upon the 'Marry Me' arena tour, which included a global live stream from Manchester's AO Arena on Friday 5th May 2023.
How old is Olly Murs?
Olly was born on 14th May in 1984, meaning he is currently 39-years-old.
Which TV shows has he presented?
Not only is Olly a massive pop star, he's also a TV presenter - having fronted ITV's Saturday night show Starstruck.
Starstruck featured a team of superfans who had the ultimate makeover as they transformed into their idol and took on their biggest songs.
Olly hosted the show, with Jason Manford, Adam Lambert, Sheridan Smith and Beverley Knight on the judging panel - with the legendary Shania Twain replacing Sheridan for the 2023 series.
In June 2023, it was confirmed that Starstruck would not be returning for another series.
Olly Murs on Michael McIntyre's Big Show
In February 2023, Olly appeared on Michael McIntyre's Big Show performing 'Dancing On Cars', a song that features on Olly's most recent album. Taking to Twitter before the show, Olly told his fans: ' Soooooo I’ll be on @MMBigShow tonight performing ‘Dancing On Cars’ at 7pm on🕺🏼🚘👌🏻'.
Fans loved his performance with one writing: 'omg buzzing!!! love you both ♥️', and another said: 'Fav song on the album without a doubt 🫶🏻'.
Is Olly Murs a twin?
Yes, Olly Murs is a twin! Olly's twin is called Ben. Olly hasn't spoken to his twin brother in over 10 years, after the pair fell out when Olly couldn't make his wedding due to filming for The X Factor.
In January 2020, Olly appeared on an episode of The Voice UK, and after seeing twin brothers auditioning he was in tears.
When fellow judge will.i.am asked Olly what his brother looks like, the 'Dear Darlin' singer said: "We haven't spoken for 10 years. We had a big argument. I was on X Factor and I couldn’t make his wedding because I was on the show."
Getting emotional, Olly continued: "I feel like the next time I am going to see him is going to be at the worst place to see someone. It will be at someone's funeral that we lose in the family. I don't want that to be the case.
"It brings back memories when I see twins. When we were kids we used to sing all the time."
After seeing Olly get upset, Sir Tom Jones gave a word of advice, adding: '"I understand what you're feeling, but you will do it - you'll get back together."
What is Olly Murs' mum called?
While speaking to Hits Radio, Olly Murs revealed that his mum is called Vicky and her maiden name is Pollard. Meaning she used to be called Vicky Pollard like the character from Little Britain, known for her "Yeah but no but yeah but" catchphrase!
Does Olly Murs have a girlfriend?
Yes - and she's now his wife! Olly Murs first went public with his then-girlfriend (now wife) Amelia Tank in January 2020. Since then, she has featured in a number of his TikTok videos during the Coronavirus lockdown, including this one of a blindfolded pillow fight!
The pair actually met in the gym, with Amelia being an award-winning bodybuilder. In February 2022, Olly confessed he thought he would spend the rest of his life with Amelia, admitting she's most certainly 'the one'.
Speaking to New! Magazine, Olly said: "We both definitely knew. After two or three days, me and Amelia looked at each other and said, 'yeah, this is kind of it now, isn't it?' We both told each other that we loved each other."
He added: "When we came back from that trip, Amelia said, 'I knew straight away that you were who I was going to spend the rest of my life with', and I said the same."
Are they married?
They sure are! Olly announced in June 2022 that he was engaged to girlfriend Amelia Tank, popping the question on Saturday 5th June.
Sharing a photo from the big moment, Olly wrote on Instagram: '04.06.2022 💍 Amelia Tank 🤍'.
Amelia also confirmed the exciting news, sharing a reel to her page. She wrote: '04.06.2022 💍❤️'.
The pair then officially tied the knot in July 2023, with their three-day wedding, in the secluded haven of Osea Island in the Blackwater Estuary, starting on 14th. Olly shared an emotional montage to his Instagram page, showing footage from the day, including the touching moment he saw Amelia walk down the aisle.
Does Olly Murs have kids?
Olly announced in December 2023 that he was going to become a dad for the first time, revealing his wife Amelia was pregnant with the couple's first child.
Sharing a cute photo on social media, Olly wrote: 'Baby Murs due 2024 🍼👶🏼💛'.
In April 2024, Olly and Amelia then shared the lovely news that they'd welcomed their first child into the world, choosing the name Madison.
Sharing a photo leaving the hospital, the pair told fans: 'Our mini murs has arrived 🩷 Madison we love you so much already x'. (sic)
What is Olly Murs' latest song?
Olly released multiple singles in 2022, including 'Die of a Broken Heart', 'I Hate You When You're Drunk' and the festive 'Coming Off The Snow (The Miracle of Christmas)'.
His latest release is 'I Found Her' - released in March 2023 - which features on his seventh studio album 'Marry Me'.
Does Olly Murs write his own songs?
In short, yes! After finding fame on The X Factor back in 2009, Olly Murs has co-written the majority of his own songs. Songs that he has co-written include, 'Please Don't Let Me Go', which was a Number 1 single for Olly back in 2010. He's also co-written other Top 5 songs including, 'Dear Darlin''. He's also worked with songwriting powerhouse Ed Sheeran.
Scroll through to see which songs Ed Sheeran has written for other artists...
Olly Murs - 'Love Shine Down', featuring Jessie J (2010)
'Love Shine Down' featuring Jessie J was an album track on Olly's self-titled album from 2010, co-written by Ed, Olly and four other people.
Hear the song on YouTube here.
One Direction - 'Little Things' (2012)
Co-written by Ed, 'Little Things' was a Number 1 hit for the boy band One Direction in 2012. It appeared on their second album, 'Take Me Home', and Ed worked with songwriter Fiona Bevan and producer Jake Gosling to create it.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
They also worked together on 'Moments', from their debut album 'Up All Night'.
Taylor Swift - 'Everything Has Changed' featuring Ed Sheeran (2013)
Written by both Ed and Taylor, this single reached the Top 10 around the world in 2013.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
Ed and Taylor also worked together on 'End Game' from her sixth album 'Reputation', released in 2017.
One Direction - '18' (2014)
'18' was another song released by One Direction and written by Ed Sheeran. It was a promotional song released in 2014.
Hear the song on YouTube here.
Jessie Ware - 'Say You Love Me'
Ed co-wrote 'Say You Love Me' and even provided backing vocals for Jessie Ware's track. The stripped back love song features on her fourth album 'Tough Love' which came out in 2014.
Hilary Duff - 'Tattoo' (2015)
Disney star Hilary Duff released her 5th album 'Breathe In. Breathe Out.' in 2015, worked with Ed on the song 'Tattoo'.
Watch the video on YouTube.
Justin Bieber - 'Love Yourself' (2015)
Ed joined forces with Justin for 'Love Yourself' which was a hit in 2015 all around the world, reaching the top spot in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Sweden, as well as spending six weeks at Number 1 in the UK. Ed nearly kept the track for his own album, '÷', but it ended up with Justin instead.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
Ed and Biebs also worked together on 'The Feeling', which appeared on his fourth album 'Purpose' released in 2015.
Rixton - 'Hotel Ceiling' (2015)
Released in 2015, this song was the third song from Rixton's debut album. Ed worked on the song with producer Benny Blanco, and the video starred Hollywood actress Alice Eve.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
Rudimental - 'Lay It All On Me' featuring Ed Sheeran (2015)
Co-written by drum and bass group Rudimental and Ed, this single was a hit in 2015 and appeared on the group's second album 'We The Generation' in that year. It was the second collaboration for Ed and the group, who co-wrote and also remixed 'Bloodstream' on Ed's album 'x'.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
The Weeknd - 'Dark Times' (2015)
Ed and The Weeknd worked together on 'Dark Times' for his second album, 'Beauty Behind the Madness'. As well as writing the song together, Ed also provided vocals on the track.
Major Lazer featuring Justin Bieber and Mø - 'Cold Water' (2016)
Ed was also co-writer on another Justin Bieber track, which also worked with DJ group Major Lazer, made up of Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire, with the song also featuring Danish singer and producer MØ. It reached Number 1 in the UK in 2016.
Watch the lyric video on YouTube here.
Matt Terry - 'When Christmas Comes Around' (2016)
Ed worked with his collaborator Amy Wadge for The X Factor 2016 winner Matt Terry on his winners' single, 'When Christmas Comes Around'.
Watch the official music video on YouTube.
Robbie Williams - 'Pretty Woman' (2016)
'Pretty Woman' is featured on Robbie's album, 'The Heavy Entertainment Show', released in 2016. Ed co-wrote the song with Robbie, teamed up with Benny Blanco again and also producer Steve Robson for the track.
Hear the song on YouTube here.
Eminem - 'River' (2017)
Ed co-wrote and appeared on Eminem's track 'River' from his 2017 album 'Revival'. It reached Number 1 in the UK charts and was also certified Platinum. The music video for the song received a nomination for Best Cinematography at the MTV VMAs 2018.
Watch the official video on YouTube.
Zara Larsson - 'Don't Let Me Be Yours' (2017)
This song was co-written by Zara and Ed along with some other songwriters including Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid. Ed also provided backing vocals on the track, which appeared on Zara's second album 'So Good', released in 2017.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
James Blunt - 'Make Me Better' (2017)
James hired Ed's songwriting talents for his 5th album 'The Afterlove', working on both 'Make Me Better' and 'Time of Our Lives'.
Listen to the song on YouTube.
Liam Payne - 'Strip That Down', featuring Quavo (2017)
The debut solo single from former One Directioner Liam Payne was co-written by Ed, Liam and Quavo who also features on the track. Ed also provided uncredited backing vocals for the song, which reached Number 3 in the UK charts.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
They also worked together on Liam's 2019 single 'Stack It Up' featuring A Boogie wit da Hoodie.
Rita Ora - 'Your Song' (2017)
Rita Ora made her comeback in 2017 with a song penned by the fantastic Ed, which also served as the lead single from her second album, 'Phoenix, released in 2018.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
DJ Snake and Lauv - 'A Different Way' (2017)
DJ Snake and Lauv worked together on 'A Different Way' in 2017, roping in Ed for the songwriting along with Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid, as well as Steve Mac, Ilsey Juber and Lindy Robbins.
Watch the official video on YouTube.
Anne-Marie - '2002' (2018)
Anne-Marie's most popular song as it stands is '2002', which she co-wrote with Ed and who encouraged her to release it as a single. It peaked at Number 3 in the UK charts.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
Olly Murs - 'Moves' featuring Snoop Dogg (2018)
Ed and Olly teamed up once again in 2018 for Olly's comeback single, 'Moves', which also featured vocals from Snoop Dogg. The track featured on the soundtrack for Johnny English Strikes Again.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
Jess Glynne - 'Thursday' (2018)
Ed helped Jess Glynne pen this song, which is all about how people shouldn't be forced to hide behind a mask and should feel free to express themselves. Jess has stated that it's one of her "favourites", and that it's "close to her heart".
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
Little Mix - 'Woman Like Me' featuring Nicki Minaj (2018)
Little Mix's feminist powerhouse track featuring Nicki Minaj was actually co-written by Ed himself along with Jess Glynne for her own album, 'Always In Between', but said that it "didn't fit" with the other songs and gave it to Little Mix instead.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
Keith Urban - 'Parallel Line' (2018)
Ed worked with country music star Keith Urban on his single 'Parallel Line' which featured on his 10th album 'Graffiti U'. Ed and Keith worked with Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid as well as Benny Blanco, Amy Wadge and Julia Michaels - and also features a sample of 'Everglow' by Coldplay from their album, 'A Head Full of Dreams'.
Listen to the song on YouTube.
'Because I Had You' - Shawn Mendes (2018)
Shawn worked with Ryan on his self-titled third album, released in May 2018. Ryan co-wrote 'Particular Taste' and 'Because I Had You', and also co-produced both of those songs.
Listen on YouTube.
Boyzone - 'Because' (2018)
Boyzone teamed up with Ed for 'Because', the lead single from their final album 'Thank You & Goodnight', released in 2018. It was written by Ed along with lead singer Ronan Keating as well as John Shanks and Amy Wadge.
Watch the official music video on YouTube.
Benny Blanco, Halsey and Khalid - 'Eastside' (2018)
Singers Halsey and Khalid teamed up with producer Benny Blanco on 2018 track 'Eastside', working with Ed on the songwriting. The track went to Number 1 in the UK and was also certified 2x Platinum.
Watch the official music video on YouTube.
BTS - 'Make It Right' (2019)
South Korean band BTS worked with Ed on their 2019 song 'Make It Better', which appeared on their EP 'Map of the Soul: Persona'. They released another version of the song later in 2019 with featured singer Lauv.
Watch the official music video on YouTube.
Westlife - 'Hello My Love' (2019)
Ed Sheeran wrote the comeback single for Irish band Westlife, 'Hello My Love', which appeared on their 2019 album 'Spectrum'. The song became a massive hit with Westlife fans.
Watch the music video on YouTube here.
Ed also worked with Westlife on some of their other 'Spectrum' album tracks: 'Better Man', 'Dynamite', 'My Blood' and 'One Last Time', as well as non-album track 'Anywhere'.
Anne-Marie - 'Beautiful' (2021)
In July 2021, Anne-Marie released her track 'Beautiful', co-written by Ed Sheeran and Max Martin. The track features on her second studio album 'Therapy', which was released on 23rd July 2021.
JLS - 'Eternal Love' (2021)
Fans were over the moon when JLS announced that they were getting back together - not only were the boys heading on a reunion tour, but they were even releasing new music. And what better way to break out onto the music scene again than by releasing a track co-written by Ed Sheeran?!
The track 'Eternal Love' featured on JLS's latest album '2.0', which was released on 3rd December 2021.
Watch the music video on YouTube
Camilla Cabello -'Bam Bam' (2022)
Ed joined Camilla Cabello on her track 'Bam Bam' and even co-wrote the song. According to Camilla they worked together with Ricky Reed and Scott Harris to turn an older version of the song into the Latin hit it is now, and it only took them a day to write and record it!
Watch the music video on YouTube
Lewis Capaldi - 'Pointless' (2022)
Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi spoke about the process of writing his song 'Pointless' with Ed, telling the BBC he was hesitant to collaborate with him: "Every British artist who has a Number 1 record seems to have Ed on it. That's a testament to how good he is but I was wary of it. My ego was going, 'I don't want people thinking Ed wrote my song'."
In the end, the pair did work together and co-wrote the track, which was released on Friday 2nd December and will feature on Lewis' second album, 'Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent', slated for release in 2023.
Watch the lyric video on YouTube.
David Guetta, Anne-Marie, Coi Leray - 'Baby Don't Hurt Me' (2023)
Ed is credited as a writer on David Guetta's huge track 'Baby Don't Hurt Me', which features Anne-Marie and Coi Leray. The song also features a sample from the classic dance track, 'What is Love?' by Haddaway.
Why did he cancel his tour?
Olly Murs wrapped up his 2021 Summer Tour in September, and was due to return for another Summer Tour in 2022.
HOWEVER, at the end of February, Olly announced he was forced to cancel his dates in June, July, August and September, after undergoing major knee surgery.
He wrote on social media: 'I am gutted to have to write this message but unfortunately I’ve had to undergo major new knee surgery again this week 🤦🏻♂️😩 Been trying my best to avoid having it done but the op was needed and it went well. I’m recovering in hospital but it means I’m having to cancel all my summer shows this year whilst I focus on my rehab.
'Refunds will all be available from your point of purchase and please keep an eye out for any emails from your ticketing agent over the next few days. I’m so bloody sorry but my focus now is on recovering and I’ll keep you all updated on how I’m getting on! Stay cheeky catch you soon👍🏻❤️😘'. (sic)
However, fans were over the moon when he then took his album 'Marry Me' on tour in 2023!
The tour took Olly around the UK with 11 dates in Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, London, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.
Due to Eurovision taking place in Liverpool, Olly moved his Liverpool show to August.
Is Olly Murs supporting Take That on tour?
He sure is! Olly will be heading off on tour with Take That as he supports the band at their 'This Life on Tour' shows. The tour takes place between April and June 2024 and visits cities including London, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham.
Did Olly Murs win The X Factor?
Olly Murs was on The X Factor in 2009. He rose to fame when he was a contestant on the show's sixth series, and although Olly didn't win, he did come second.
From there he had some major success in the charts with songs such as 'Troublemaker' and 'Dear Darlin'', and even returned as part of The X Factor family to co-present the spin-off show, The Xtra Factor, in 2011 with Caroline Flack. After Caroline tragically passed away in February 2020, Olly shared a wonderful tribute to his friend on Instagram.
Sharing a photo of the pair together, Olly wrote, 'Caz... 💔😣 My heart is forever broken.. I’ve lost something today that I’ll never ever get back.. and that’s you. We always said we was friends for life and trust me you will be with me forever. My kids will know you, my grandkids will and then I’ll see you again, give you a huge hug, a huge kiss, get mic’d up and have you by my side again. This will hurt forever, love you cazza, Your Ols 💔🙏🏻😖.'
He also shared a video collage of the moments they'd worked together through the years.
When did Olly Murs join The Voice?
Olly was one of the coaches on The Voice UK alongside Anne-Marie, Sir Tom Jones and will.i.am and was a judge on the show from 2018 to 2023. It was confirmed that the 2023 series was to be Olly's last.
In an interview with Mail Online, Olly spoke about leaving the show. He said: "I feel so proud of this show. When I started I never imagined I would be here for six or seven years. I'm sad to be leaving but so happy to have been a part of the show. I'm hoping this series will be the best one yet!"
Speaking about having celebrities' numbers, Olly told us at Hits Live: "I hate asking people for their numbers especially when you’re working with them and especially when it’s Sir Tom Jones! If I had it I know if I was drunk on a night out I’d be ringing it!
"When I met Jennifer Hudson doing The Voice I asked her for her number and then I’m in Sheesh in Essex, off my nut, and 'Spotlight' came on. I was like ‘I’m going to ring Jen’ and I sent her a video message of me singing and she was like ‘Oh Olly are you drinking?’ Can’t do that with Sir Tom! Can you imagine?"
What is Olly Murs' net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth website, Olly Murs' net worth is $6 million (around £4.3 million). Much of his money comes from his music success and TV appearances. He's also had voice parts in two children's films in 2019 - voicing Spike in the TV series 101 Dalmatian Street and Spies In Disguise with Will Smith in Junior Agent #1.
Of the role, he said, "I loved being a junior agent for Will Smith! What a great job, and it was a lot of fun. Maybe if I'm lucky I can graduate to a fully-fledged agent next time!"
What is Olly Murs' favourite colour?
Olly Murs' favourite colour is blue! He jokingly revealed this information in a tweet in 2015 during a gig in Glasgow. In the photo that he tweeted, Olly can be seen wearing boxer shorts with the Scottish flag, under his kilt.
What football team does Olly Murs support?
Despite being a pop star, Olly Murs is also a big football fan. The 'Troublemaker' singer supports Manchester United and is often a special guest on sports TV shows. As well as being a football fan, Olly has also played football for Coggeshall Town.
What is Olly Murs Twitter and Instagram account?
You can find Olly Murs on both Twitter and Instagram, he regularly posts on social media. Olly Murs Twitter name is @ollyofficial and his Instagram handle is @ollymurs
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