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Olly Murs Suffered From Depression When Appearing On 'X Factor'

Olly Murs Suffered From Depression When Appearing On 'X Factor'

Olly Murs managed to secure a place as runner up and has since gone on to become a popular presenter on some of the UK's biggest shows.

Rachel Pugh

Rachel Pugh

Olly Murs first burst onto our screens in 2009, when he sang a cover of Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' in front of the X Factor judges.

He was known as the cheeky chappy from Essex, who quickly became a favourite with the show's fans.

Thanks to his likeable personality and musical talent, the 33-year-old managed to secure a place as runner up, and has since gone on to become a popular presenter on some of the UK's biggest TV shows.

But away from his chirpy persona, the presenter has been facing a heartbreaking battle with depression.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Olly candidly explained how he had struggled with his mental health after presenting just one series of the X Factor.

He said: "I was dealing with the pressures of this industry when I was first in the public eye... it's not easy for anyone. And I've gone through worse since then.

"When I was on X Factor with all the stuff that happened it was intense. There was a lot of pressure on my shoulders hosting at the time what was the biggest show on TV."

The singer added: "It wasn't serious depression but I had a difficult time. It could have got a lot worse.

"Luckily, I have a good team around me who saw I was in that place and they got me out of it very quickly.

"And being the positive guy that I am I moved away from it."

Olly hosted the X Factor alongside Caroline Flack in 2015, when the pair fell victim to a viewer backlash following a series of awkward gaffes.

In one episode, the 'Troublemaker' singer famously told contestant Monica Michael that she would be going home, instead of going to deadlock. He also missed his cue and fluffed his lines on several occasions.

But things now appear to be on the up for Olly, who recently revealed he would be joining X Factor's rival show, The Voice, as a coach.

Talking on Good Morning Britain, he explained: "I haven't heard from Simon [Cowell]. I don't believe in rivalries.

"X Factor was an incredible part of my life, now I am taking the next chapter and becoming a coach on The Voice.

"I'm loving it - there's no hard feelings from me anyway. If he wants to call me, call me. Let's have a chat, Simon."

'U OK M8?' is an initiative from LADbible in partnership with a range of mental health charities which features a series of films and stories to raise awareness of mental health.

Explore more here and don't suffer in silence. Reach out. It's the brave thing to do.

MIND: 0300 123 3393.

Samaritans: 116 123.

CALM: Outside London 0808 802 5858, inside London 0800 58 58 58.

Mental Health Foundation

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Celebrity Entertainment, Celebrity News, TV News, TV Entertainment, x factor