Olly pops the question
OLLY MURS TELLS MARION MCMULLEN HE NAMED HIS NEW ALBUM MARRY ME... AND HIS PARTNER SAID YES
CALLING your new album Marry Me has to be the ultimate romantic gesture. Olly Murs says it certainly left his partner Amelia Tank overwhelmed.
“When you call an album Marry Me people are expecting some lovey dovey album, but actually it’s far from that. It’s got a bit more substance to it and a bit more fun.”
He laughs: “It was a bit facetious in a way like ‘Marry me, come on, look at me.’ It was more playful , a bit cheeky. I’ve been doing this album for 15 months, two years, so I knew the album title had to be something bold, something fun, but something with some substance and Marry Me felt right.
“Also, when I look back in 10 years time and I have children, I can say that was the time me and Amelia were about to get married.
“Amelia was quite overwhelmed at first, she was like ‘wow, that’s pretty cool,’ but I think she gets the cheekiness of me. If it was called I Want To Marry You that would have been a bit urgh!”
Olly had to cancel tour dates last year because of a knee problem, but now is looking forward to the album coming out, touring next year... and his wedding.
“I’ve been working really hard, making sure everything is in a good place and that I’m ready to go on a tour again,” says the 38-year-old singer. “It’s going to be interesting. I was so unlucky with the last tour last year. It was a freak accident on stage, so hopefully, fingers crossed, everything will be fine.
“I had a knee operation 14 years ago and that’s kind of where it all began. I didn’t have the resources to go out and have physio and do all the rehab you needed at the time and that unfortunately has effected me long term.
“I’ve just got to battle through the pain, battle through the problems. I have done all the rehab necessary – hours and hours and hours of constant training and leg building.
“When you’ve been through a serious knee injury, or broken something or had surgery, people really appreciate what they have. It’s a long road back so I’m really thankful that I am where I am now and feeling really good about myself, feeling great physically and mentally and I’m ready to go.”
Bodybuilder and fitness model Amelia has been with Olly every step of the way. “She’s like my coach, she inspires me and encourages me to get in the gym,” says the former X Factor singer.
“It’s so amazing to have someone there in my life pushing me in other areas. I always push myself from a work perspective, but it’s just nice to have someone there supporting you. She has been through everything that I’ve been through the last couple of years and I’ve been there for her as well. I’ve got a great support network at home.”
After recently signing to EMI Records, Marry Me will be the chart-topping star’s first new studio album in more than four years.
Olly is also sure to have people dancing – if not proposing – in the aisles next year when he gets back on tour.
His previous six albums and subsequent sold-out tours have all been enormously successful. He has had six multi-platinum albums, four number one UK albums, four number one UK singles, six million Spotify monthly listeners, 800 million Youtube views and sold 1.8 million tour tickets.
The singer-songwriter has also been busy as the host of ITV’s Starstruck and returned to the big swivelly chair on The Voice UK, but says he cannot wait to tour again.
“There’s no better feeling than getting out on the road and seeing your music being sung by thousands of people. It’s a real connection.”
He adds: “I knew I wanted to release the album at the right time in my life. I still believe I have a lot to offer my fans and music. I wanted Amelia to see me now as an artist as well. She’s only really seen me as Olly the last three years. I’ve been doing The Voice UK and different things but, as an artist, a singer, a performer, an entertainer I really wanted to do it now and it feels great.”
Olly says the album gave him a purpose during lockdown instead of spending all his time doing prank videos on Amelia on TikTok.
The creative process saw him working with David Stewart and Jessica Agombar, who have had roaring success writing for South Korean boyband BTS.
Meanwhile, the countdown to the big day has begun. “It’s stressful organising a wedding” says Olly with a mock groan, “it’s a nightmare, bridezilla’s in full flow, but we are getting there. Amelia is looking at the dress, she’s on invitations, flower arrangements ... there is so much to go through.
“It all feels like a new direction, new music, new ideas, fresh approach... it feels just amazing.”
■ Marry Me is released on December 2. Visit ollymurs. com for tour information.
It’s so amazing to have someone there in my life pushing me in other areas