Oliver Stanley Murs, born in Witham in 1984, first gained public attention as the runner-up of the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009. Since that broadcast, he has sustained a prolific career as a singer-songwriter and television presenter, establishing himself as a significant figure in the United Kingdom music industry.
Early Pursuits and Football
Before his transition to professional music, Murs attended Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form. He was an active athlete, playing as a striker for the local football team. Between 2006 and 2008, he played semi-professionally for the Witham Town football club. An injury eventually curtailed his sporting career, forcing him to shift his focus. Prior to his television breakthrough, he held roles as a telemarketer and a recruitment consultant, while also performing with a covers group known as the Small Town Blaggers.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Television Breakthrough
Murs auditioned for the 2009 series of The X Factor with a performance of Stevie Wonder's Superstition. His progression through the competition was marked by consistent success, leading him to the final where he performed alongside Robbie Williams. Although he finished as the runner-up to Joe McElderry, his television appearances continued. He co-presented the spin-off series The Xtra Factor with Caroline Flack starting in 2011 and returned to the main programme as a co-host for series 12 in 2015. Additionally, he served as a coach on The Voice UK from 2018 through 2023.
Recording Career and Chart Success
Following his television debut, Murs signed with RCA Records and Sony Music in the UK, alongside Columbia Records in the United States. His self-titled 2010 debut album reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and earned double platinum certification from the BPI. His second release, In Case You Didn't Know, reached the top position, as did subsequent albums including Right Place Right Time and Never Been Better. His discography continued through the next decade with releases such as 24 Hrs, You Know I Know, Marry Me, and Knees Up, all of which achieved top-five placements.
Fast facts
- Born: 14 May 1984, Witham, Essex
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Education: Braintree College, Notley High School, Braintree Sixth Form
- Debut Album: Olly Murs (2010)
- Television Work: The X Factor, The Xtra Factor, The Voice UK
- Early Career: Semi-professional footballer for Witham Town
- Occupations: Singer, songwriter, television presenter
Questions readers ask
Did Olly Murs win The X Factor?
No, he finished as the runner-up in the 2009 series of The X Factor.
What was his professional occupation before singing?
Before his television career, he worked as a telemarketer and a recruitment consultant.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: pop music
.jpg)
