The Rakish Gent Paper 5 - Olly Murs
Editor - Tajinder Hayer
Design - Josh Bristow
Photography - David Reiss
Photography Assistance - Ben Alder
Styling - Hannah Beck
Styling Assistance - Anastacia Malikova
Grooming - Mellissa Brown
Aged 38 Olly Murs has been in the public arena for so long now that he has become something of a national treasure. The singer, songwriter, dancer, television presenter, actor, and director came to national attention for coming second in the sixth season of The X Factor in 2009. The following year he released his debut single Please Don’t Let Me Go, which debuted at Number 1 in the UK charts. Further singles Heart Skips A Beat and Dance with Me Tonight would also reach Number 1.
Murs returned to The X Factor and The Xtra Factor as a presenter, and since 2018 he has been a coach on the ITV show The Voice, winning the eighth series with Molly Hocking and the ninth series with Blessing Chitapa. The Voice is now back on ITV with its eleventh series which sees Olly Murs reunited with coaches Anne-Marie, Sir Tom Jones and Will.I.Am
What is new or different about this season of The Voice?
I think what’s new and different is that we’ve got an audience back. It's a really big change for us as coaches on the show, as I felt that there was a missing element without an audience. The crowd makes such a difference and really helps with the production too.
Before you started filming, did you have any concept about what sort of artist you were looking for?
Good question. I don’t actually no. Nowadays there is such a huge range in the type of singer that you could get. If you went back ten or fifteen years ago, you may have got quite a few very similar performers. Now, the variety is amazing and with me, Will, Tom and Anne-Marie on the panel there is a real diversity from rappers to soul singers. I think that this season of The Voice really has a bit of everything. We even get rappers now which is great. I was really impressed by the guys that could both sing and rap brilliantly.
How competitive are the judges?
The judges are always very competitive. Adding Anne-Marie into the mix again after she won last year brings a real will to win. Everyone is focused on not only getting the best talent and doing a great show, but there is a secret competitiveness behind the scenes as we all would like to win. I think that the competition element also makes for a more interesting show.
Are you still excited about the show after 5 years?
I think what I find the most exciting about it is the ability to be able to find new talent. There aren’t many shows on TV that do it like The Voice anymore. I came from a reality TV show so its wonderful for me to be able to give others the same opportunity that I had. When I did the show in 2009 I was a no-one from nowhere and I desperately wanted someone to believe in me and give me a chance, and I got it. It’s the same as The Voice now. We aren’t promising them everything, but the opportunity to get a record deal and release an album is still life changing. Some of these artists have been wanting this opportunity for years.
What does it take to win?
It’s a real mix. Finding the right singer that has the right attitude. Song choice is really important. I’ve seen some really terrific performers fall at the last hurdle just because they picked a song that did not work for them, and maybe the coach made the wrong choice. The right songs at the right time could possibly be the main thing. The song really needs to connect with viewers at home and that the live audience loves, and that fits for them as well.
All of us judges have four finalists in the semi-finals and they are all brilliant, so at that point it becomes all about the finer details.
Does the experience of judging bring back memories for you of The X Factor?
I can completely relate to how contestants feel. Way back when I was a bit naive and didn’t really take it all in. It feels like the whole experience has come and gone in an instant. From being at judges houses to being in the live shows, it all seemed to happen so quickly. I try and make sure that the performers really appreciate the moment.
What can fans expect from your new music?
Genuinely, I think its the best album I’ve even done. From the production to lyrics, I’ve really worked hard to make it as good as it can be. I’ll admit that I was a bit lost a few years ago and I didn’t really know what my next step would be in music. I’ve worked with the producer David Stewart (BTS, Jonas Brothers) and we got on really well and formed a connection. Me, him and Jess who he writes with formed a lovely trio. For me, everything feels like an upgrade from before. I’m really looking forward to people hearing it and I hope that they like it as much as I do.
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Has it been difficult to combine music and TV work at the same time?
It’s actually been quite fun doing both over the last five years. Since 2017 I’ve been working on The Voice as well as Starstruck which we start filming next month. I think that the next couple of months will be pretty challenging and full on with the release of the album
What can you tell us about Starstruck?
The new season starts filming next month. I know that Sheridan released a statement recently saying that she isn’t returning so there are big shoes to fill, but we’ve managed to get an incredible person to join. Adam Lambert, Jason Manford and Beverley Knight are all coming back. I can’t wait to get it going again.
Do you have any plans to act?
Who knows? It isn’t something that I would ever say no to. If I found the time and the right opportunity I would be up for it. I think it requires real dedication and you can’t just walk into it. At the moment doing TV and music is enough for me.
What are your plans for the rest of the year and early 2023?
Apart from The Voice and the new album, I’m planning a wedding for next summer. I want my fiancé to get the day that she deserves.
The Voice UK returns to ITV on Saturday nights at 8pm.
A full version of this feature can be found in The Rakish Gent Paper Issue 5.