Sometimes coming runner-up in a competition can actually be the best thing – just ask Olly Murs.
Not only has the charismatic 37-year-old racked up countless catchy hits since coming second on The X Factor in 2009, but he’s added another string to his bow by becoming a popular coach on The Voice UK
Now, after a presenting stint on The X Factor alongside his late friend Caroline Flack, Olly is having a second shot at hosting. This time, it’s ITV’s new entertainment juggernaut, Starstruck – a Stars In Their Eyes reboot.
The show sees three contestants all transform into the same music icon in a bid to impress the all-star judging panel – Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford.
When OK! catches up with Olly, it’s clear he’s buzzing to be involved. “I might get to the point where my child will say to me, ‘Did you ever present a Saturday night TV show, Dad?’ and I can reply, ‘Yes, I did!’” he says.
And it’s no wonder Olly is thinking ahead to a potential future family, as he is head over heels with bodybuilder girlfriend Amelia Tank. “It was such a big thing for me to settle down and such a big moment to make a commitment to someone,” Olly smiles. “I fought against it for so long and then when Amelia came into my life, I couldn’t fight against it any more.”
Here, Olly, who lives in Essex with Amelia and their dog Missy, tells us more about his exciting new role, how he’s living out his bucket list and why he’s in no rush to walk down the aisle…
Hi Olly. You must be excited about Starstruck coming to our screens!
Super excited. When I first had the meetings with ITV, it ticked all the boxes. It’s really next level and I think people are going to be blown away by how amazing the transformations are.
Although people will say it’s like Stars In Their Eyes, it’s a whole new dynamic. Everything’s fresh and it’s amazing to be a part of it. I was nervous, but once I got out there all those cobwebs came off and I loved it.
Did you used to watch Stars In Their Eyes growing up?
I actually sent in an audition tape. Years ago, I thought I could do a good Ronan Keating impression. Me and my family did it as a laugh. I really hope they never find the video of that as it was so bad! [Laughs]
You previously hosted The X Factor. What did you learn from that experience?
It’s so hard as The X Factor was such a long time ago. I think what people forgot at the time was that it wasn’t my full-time job – I wasn’t a presenter. But the opportunity came up and I thought, “To host the show with Caroline would be so much fun.” That’s why I did it. With that came mistakes and a bit of rawness.
I was a bit of a rough diamond and I didn’t really have the experience of presenting the biggest show on TV. So I learned loads from that. You naturally learn from your mistakes. But I like the fact I’m not perfect.
There’s room to improve, but I’m not trying to be anyone else but me. I was also very fortunate to work with my mate Caroline. She was so incredible to work with. I learned a lot and now it’s a chance for me to do it on my own.
This year marks your 12th in the spotlight. Does that ever sink in?
It’s mad! Not many people have a 12-year career in showbiz. I hope I have another 10 years. I love what I do and I’m very lucky, but you’ve also got to make your own luck, too. I work very, very hard and can’t wait to see what I do next.
That’s why Starstruck was so exciting as it was something to tick off the list. If I ever retire – I might be like Sir Tom Jones and never retire – I might get to the point where my child will say to me, “Did you ever present a Saturday night TV show, Dad?” and I can reply, “Yes, I did!” These are little bucket list things that I wanted to achieve in my career and here I am achieving them.
What have your other big pinch-me moments been?
There are so many, but seeing Madonna dancing to my song Dance With Me Tonight on her TikTok has got to be one of the most pinch-me moments I’ve ever had in my life. I couldn’t believe it.
The song went viral when these two girls created a dance in their living room and I woke up one morning and saw Madonna with her family dancing to it. I grew up listening to her and danced to Vogue and all her tunes at parties. Then all of a sudden she’s dancing to one of my songs! That was cool.
Speaking of TikTok, you recently sent fans wild when you joked that you’d proposed to Amelia. Is everyone now asking when you’re going to pop the question?
It’s been constant. Lots of people have messaged me, and my friends and family say, “When are you going to do it?” It will happen in the right place at the right time in the right moment. We’re just so happy where we are in our lives. We’re in no rush.
We’re dog parents and are plodding along, living our best life, as happy as Larry. It’s going to happen, of course it will. I love Amelia so it’ll happen.
When did you know she was The One?
I knew straight away when I met her. Once I got over the commitment phobia that I had, I just knew. It’s her personality and how she is with people, she’s so kind. But also she’s so easy-going. She never causes any stress for me and I don’t cause any stress for her. She’s not on my back asking, “What are you doing? Where are you?” She trusts me and knows that I love her.
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Don’t get me wrong, we have our little arguments here and there – that’s what you do in relationships. But when you know, you know. It was such a big thing for me to settle down and such a big moment to make a commitment to someone.
I fought against it for so long and then when Amelia came into my life, I couldn’t fight against it any more. I thought, “I’ve got to make it happen and grow up.” I did and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
What’s next for you?
To continue the subject of Amelia, I’d love to be a dad. On my bucket list I set myself small challenges and then big ones. The big ones are to be a dad and have children, and be a No1 best-selling artist again. And maybe one day pick up a BRIT award, that would be pretty special.
Starstruck starts Saturday 12 February at 8:30pm on ITV and ITV Hub.
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