Early Life
Oliver Stanley Murs was born in May 1984 in Witham, Essex. He has a twin brother, Ben, and a sister, Fay. Murs attended Notley High School and was an avid footballer growing up, playing semi-professionally for Witham Town. He initially hoped for a football career, but a knee injury forced him to reconsider his options. After working a series of jobs, including a stint in a call center, he pursued music more seriously, performing with a covers band and in local pubs. Everything changed in 2009 when he auditioned for “The X Factor.” His charisma, vocal style, and relatability helped carry him to the finals, where he finished in second place behind Joe McElderry.
Music Career
Shortly after his “X Factor” run, Murs signed a joint deal with Syco Music and Epic Records. His debut single, “Please Don’t Let Me Go,” was released in 2010 and debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart. His self-titled debut album soon followed and went double platinum in the UK, spawning additional hits like “Thinking of Me” and “Heart on My Sleeve.” His second album, “In Case You Didn’t Know” (2011), was another commercial success, reaching number one and producing the hits “Heart Skips a Beat” (featuring Rizzle Kicks) and “Dance with Me Tonight.” Murs found his formula in a blend of modern pop and vintage soul influences, with accessible lyrics and radio-friendly production. In 2012, Murs released “Right Place Right Time,” which included his biggest international hit, “Troublemaker,” featuring Flo Rida. The album was certified 4X platinum in the UK and helped solidify his status as a major UK pop act. His follow-up, “Never Been Better” (2014), included collaborations with Demi Lovato and Travie McCoy and continued his strong chart performance. Later albums like “24 Hrs” (2016) and “You Know I Know” (2018) saw Murs experimenting with more personal themes and electronic influences, while still maintaining his commercial appeal. His 2022 album “Marry Me” was a return to classic Olly—upbeat, melodic, and romantic—with songs inspired by his then-fiancée, bodybuilder Amelia Tank. The album debuted at number one in the UK. Murs has headlined several sold-out arena tours and performed at major festivals and televised events, making him one of the UK’s most visible pop performers for over a decade.
Television Work
Murs transitioned into television presenting with ease. In 2015, he co-hosted “The X Factor” with Caroline Flack, although the show faced declining ratings during their tenure. Still, his natural on-camera charm led to further opportunities. In 2018, he joined “The Voice UK” as a coach and quickly became a fixture on the show. Known for his enthusiasm and rapport with contestants, he remained on the coaching panel for multiple seasons, helping mentor aspiring singers and reinforcing his appeal with a broad audience.
Personal Life
Murs began dating Amelia Tank, a fitness model and competitive bodybuilder, in 2019. The couple married in July 2023 in a private ceremony in Essex. His album “Marry Me” was heavily inspired by their relationship, signaling a more settled and reflective phase of his career. He has been candid in interviews about his estranged relationship with his twin brother Ben, which reportedly began after a family disagreement surrounding his rise to fame. Despite personal setbacks, Murs has used his platform to support mental health awareness and various UK-based charitable initiatives.
