He also announced the date of his last ever gig
Olly Murs (Image: Getty Images for Bauer)
Olly Murs has made a major announcement to his fans, acknowledging he has “loved every minute of it”.
The international pop sensation has revealed it’s time for him to “hang up the mic”.
The Essex-born artist, who was told he is now ‘a Janner’ after marrying Plymouth beauty Amelia Tank, has shifted more than 30 million records worldwide and his announcement came on the same day as the release of his newest album, Knees Up.
The performer is most recognised for chart-toppers such as Trouble Maker and Heart Skips A Bit.
The 41-year-old, who welcomed his second child earlier this year, experienced an exceptional 2025 featuring a string of local performances, including appearances at Radio 2 In The Park and Chelmsford City Live.
Posting on Instagram, the musician announced on Friday morning (November 21): “Murs army, morning! Yes album eight is out – Knees Up. The end, the last one, 15 years of hard graft comes down to this.
“I hope you guys enjoy the last ever Murs album. I’ve loved every minute of it.
“Time for me to hang the mic up. Last show is December 8th. Can’t wait – let’s have it. I’ll see you all on the flip side.”, reports EssexLive.
The star shot to fame following his appearance on The X Factor in 2009 where he completed the series in second place behind Joe McElderry, and launched his first album in November the following year.
He experienced tragedy in 2020 when his Xtra Factor co-presenter Caroline Flack died by suicide.
He has since dedicated his popular track Dear Darlin’ to her during live performances.
Speaking at Chelmsford City Live, Olly said: “What’s so awesome about this, and I’m really struggling to gather my thoughts, because this is pretty surreal for me. 15 years ago I was working in a call centre giving people advice on how to save money on their energy bills in a little town Witham in Essex. I had a dream to do the X Factor at 25.
“Isn’t it mad now if you’re of a certain age, like 30, how you thought when younger that 25s were old. Now you’re over 25 and thinking you’re not old, no chance! But that’s such a long, long time ago.
“What’s beautiful is I’m looking round the audience and there’s definitely people here, kids, who don’t even know I did the X Factor unless your parents educated you. I should’ve won! You didn’t work hard enough Essex – only joking, you did everything for me.
“What’s so awesome looking out at this audience genuinely, and I’m trying to hold back the emotions, is so many people here. If you’re with the people you love right now give them a massive kiss and a hug. Let’s feel the love in Essex.
“I certainly feel the love from you guys. I promise you now I’m so sweaty you would not want to smell me.”
