Oliver Murs, also known as Olly, is an English pop singer, songwriter, actor, and television presenter. He rose to fame after participating in the sixth season of the singing reality show ‘The X Factor’ in 2009. Although he finished as the runner-up, Olly’s versatility and popularity helped him establish a phenomenal career in the music industry. With his debut single ‘Please Don’t Let Me Go’ and self-titled debut album, he topped international music charts and gained worldwide fame. In addition to his music career, Olly has also appeared as a presenter on television shows and embraced acting with a guest role in ‘90210’. His latest album ’24 Hrs’ was a huge success, certified platinum and peaking the UK Official Charts. Throughout his career, Olly has worked with renowned record labels in the UK and even signed a record deal with Columbia Records in the US.
Quick Facts
- British Celebrities Born In May
- Also Known As: Oliver Stanley Murs
- Age: 39 Years, 39 Year Old Males
- Family: father: Peter Murs, mother: Vicky-Lynn Pollard
- Actors
- Dancers
- Height: 5’9″ (175 cm), 5’9″ Males
- Notable Alumni: Howbridge Junior School, Notley High School
- More Facts
- Education: Howbridge Junior School, Notley High School
Childhood & Early Life
Olly Murs was born as Oliver Stanley Murs on 14th May, 1984 in Witham, Essex. He grew up alongside his twin brother Ben Murs and his sister Fay Murs. He attended ‘Howbridge Junior School’ in Witham and later went to ‘Notley High School’ in Braintree, Essex. During his high school years, Olly was more interested in athletics than music and even played as a striker in his school’s football team. However, his football career came to an end due to an unfortunate injury. Gradually, his interest in music grew and he auditioned for ‘The X Factor’ twice but didn’t clear the auditions.
The X Factor & Debut Studio Album
In 2009, Olly auditioned for ‘The X Factor’ once again and cleared all elimination rounds, making it to the live shows. He performed well throughout the competition and reached the finale, where he was announced as the runner-up. Despite not winning, Olly was offered the opportunity to sing alongside his idol Robbie Williams at the ‘Soccer Aid’ event. In 2010, he signed a deal with UK record labels ‘Epic Records’ and ‘Syco Music’ and released his debut album titled ‘Olly Murs’. The album’s first single, ‘Please Don’t Let Me Go’, peaked on several charts and the album itself reached the number one spot on the ‘UK Albums Chart’.
Two Massive Album Successes
In 2011, Olly released his second studio album titled ‘In Case You Didn’t Know’. The lead single, ‘Heart Skips a Beat’, became one of the most requested songs on radio. The album was released in November and also reached the number one spot on the ‘UK Albums Chart’. He continued his success with his third album ‘Right Place Right Time’, which was certified ‘4 x Platinum’ by ‘BPI’. Olly later released his fourth album ‘Never Been Better’ in 2014 and his fifth album ‘24 Hrs’ in 2016.
Awards & Achievements
Olly has received several nominations and awards throughout his career. In 2011, he was nominated for ‘British Single of the Year’ at the ‘BRIT Awards’ and won the ‘BBC Radio 1 Teen Best British Album Award’. He won the ‘Best British Solo Artist Award’ at the ‘BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards’ in 2013 and the ‘Goldene Kamera Awards’ for ‘Best International Music’ in 2015. He also won the ‘UK Male Solo Megastar 2017’ at the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards.
Personal Life & Legacy
Until 2012, Olly lived with his parents in Witham, Essex and later moved into a five-bedroom house in Toot Hill, Essex. He dated model and property manager Francesca Thomas from 2012 to 2015. Olly has also been involved in charitable work, participating in events like the ‘BT Charity Trek’ for ‘Comic Relief Red Nose Day’ and appearing on ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ to win money for charity. He is a patron of the ‘Brainwave’ foundation, which raises funds for children with brain conditions. Olly also had a minor feud with his twin brother Ben during the finals of ‘The X Factor’.