The Evolution of Olly

From the “normal geezer” who first caught attention with his performances on X Factor in 2009 to the multi-platinum artist, TV presenter and heartthrob that we know today, there are many facets in the evolution of Olly Murs. As he wraps up his current UK tour dates, we shine a light on just a few of the moments that make the man a legend.

Right Place Right Time

Olly was twenty-five when he auditioned for X Factor with a dream to become an international superstar. At the time, he was working in an office giving people advice on how to save money on their energy bills. Performing a version of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” with his own dance moves, he made Cheryl mouth “wow,” calling him a “natural-born entertainer,” while Simon Cowell said it was “the easiest yes I’ve ever given.”

As Olly made it through the series he impressed the judges every week with his artistic progress, simultaneously endearing himself to the viewing public. Making it through to the final, he performed a duet of “Angels” with Robbie Williams. He finished second to Joe McElderry, but was already a star in his own right.

Seasons

Born and raised in Witham, Essex, Olly has always had a passion for football, starting out as a striker for his Notley High School team. He played semi-professionally for Witham Town between 2006 and 2008 before an injury forced him to give up.

After finding fame with his music, there have been plenty of opportunities for Olly to get back on the pitch. Straight after X Factor he was invited by Robbie Williams to play as part of Soccer Aid, raising money for UNICEF. Olly has been a regular face at the annual event over the past decade.

A keen Manchester United fan, he’s also been a regular go-to for his punditry skills and in 2013 he was appointed as an FA150 Ambassador as part of the association’s 150th anniversary celebrations. In 2016 he laced up his boots again, playing for non-league Coggeshall Town, eventually becoming a co-owner before stepping back last year.

This Song Is About You

Across his career, Olly has released seven studio albums, sold over five million records and been certified platinum several times. He’s had five UK number one albums and four singles, including collaborations with Rizzle Kicks and Flo Rida. While early releases like “Thinking of Me” and “Heart Skips a Beat” are buoyant summertime jams, he’s embraced his fair share of upbeat ballads too, the likes of “Dear Darlin’” and “Heart on my Sleeve” are as hopeful as they are tender.

Even as Olly’s songwriting has matured and he’s embraced collaborations with the likes of Demi Lovato and Snoop Dogg, his music still comes wrapped with a cheeky smile of sunshine.

Wrapped Up

Stepping out on stage in front of the judges in 2009, Olly wore a thin v-neck sweater tucked into black jeans that just avoided the era’s skinny fit, and a loosely-tied black neck scarf. Over the years, Olly’s fashion sense has evolved with his music and age, taking cues from the likes of his style icon James Dean – “classic, casual and classy.”

There was a period in time when if you thought of Olly, you thought of his trilby. Releasing his second album In Case You Didn’t Know in 2011, the video for lead single “Heart Skips A Beat” has him dressed in his trademark headgear and bold coloured trousers. In the early teens he joked about ditching the hats, tired with how synonymous they had become with his persona.

Throughout the decade, as his music matured so did his dress sense and waistcoats and braces became a staple. Spending more time on screen presenting the likes of The Xtra Factor, he developed a taste for refined suits and smart evening wear. This led to a partnership with River Island in 2018, even designing his own bold ‘rascal shirts.’

I Blame Hollywood

Olly’s first break as a national presenter came in 2011 when he stood in for one of the presenters on BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast Show. A month later it was announced that he would co-present the eighth series of The Xtra Factor alongside Caroline Flack. He spent a year on the show before leaving due to touring commitments. Several years later the pair reunited to present the twelfth series of The X Factor for one season.

Over the years he appeared on various TV specials, cementing him as a familiar face on national screens. Since 2018 he has been a judge on The Voice, while last year he started presenting the ITV talent show Starstruck. With his warm charisma and relatable presenting style, Olly truly lived up to the title of natural-born performer in every sense.

Army of Two

Last month Olly married fiancé Amelia Tank across a three-day party on the secluded Osea Island in Essex. The celebrations included a mini festival with fairground rides, a McDonald’s truck serving McNuggets, as well as performances from Craig David, and of course, Olly. The pair met in 2019 and were engaged on a clifftop in Cornwall last year. However, the couple are waiting until next year for their honeymoon as Olly was straight back out on the road, completing his current UK tour dates before filming begins for a new series of The Voice UK.

From a cheeky international superstar wannabe to one of the busiest men in British showbusiness, there’s no stopping the evolution of Olly Murs!