Olly Murs has spoken candidly about the 'hurtful' online debate that erupted last year over his body transformation, as he prepares to return to the pitch for Soccer Aid for UNICEF. The singer, known for hits like 'Heart Skips A Beat,' unveiled his toned abs in April 2025, expecting only his fanbase to take notice. Instead, the internet became divided over whether he looked better before or after his fitness overhaul.
The Debate That Stung
In an interview with Metro, Olly admitted the unexpected attention left him baffled and somewhat hurt. 'I want to say I’m used to it, but I’m normally used to it for positive reasons,' he said. The debate was sparked by his nutritionist, Greg, who posted a side-by-side comparison of Olly before and after three months of healthy eating and discipline. A random X account then shared a poll asking which version people preferred, garnering over 4,900 votes. Surprisingly, more than 79% of women said they preferred his pre-training body, compared to just 35.65% of men.
The poll ignited a gender debate, with even the Loose Women panel weighing in, questioning whether society's 'fitness obsession' had gone too far. Olly, who has been in the spotlight since 2009, confessed the criticism hit home. 'It didn’t affect me, well, it did a bit. I’d like to think it was done in jest, but it did hurt,' he said.
A Personal Journey
Olly emphasized that his body transformation was a personal journey, not a public spectacle. He continued posting shirtless workout videos as usual, letting others comment while he focused on his goals. 'I did it for many reasons, personally. It was my own little journey. So for it to be put out there like that was quite odd,' he explained.
The transformation came at a transformative time in his life: he and his wife Amelia had welcomed daughter Madison in 2024 and were expecting their second child. Baby boy Albert was born in September 2025, with Amelia declaring her heart 'so full of love.'
Return to Soccer Aid
Undeterred by the debate, Olly continued his fitness journey ahead of his eighth Soccer Aid for UNICEF appearance. He took a break from the charity game in recent years but is considered an original player, having participated since his X Factor days. 'Soccer Aid has been a huge part of my journey. It was one of the first things I did after X Factor,' he recalled.
Olly underwent knee surgery in 2021 after a bone fragment lodged in the back of his knee from an on-stage injury. He recently shared an MRI scan update, revealing he still experiences 'odd arthritic niggles' but feels ready to step back on the pitch. This year's celebrity squad includes Robbie Williams, Tom Hiddleston, GK Barry, Owen Cooper, Joe Marler, and Jordan North, alongside football stars like Wayne Rooney and Usain Bolt.
Music and Family Focus
Outside of fitness and football, Olly is taking a break from music after releasing his album 'Knees Up' in 2025. The song 'Bonkers' went viral, which he anticipated, calling it a 'marmite sort of song.' For the next year, he plans to focus on family and presenting on Heart radio. 'I’ll keep myself busy, but it’s a nice, relaxed pace,' he said.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday, May 31, at the London Stadium.
