Olly Murs admits becoming a father helped him ‘relate to his own mother’s sadness’ over his bitter 16-year estrangement from twin brother Ben

Olly Murs shared that experiencing parenthood has allowed him to understand and empathize with the sadness his mother felt due to her estrangement from his twin brother, Ben.

The musician, aged 40, hasn’t had a conversation with his brother since he chose to attend The X Factor semi-finals instead of his sibling’s wedding towards the end of 2009.

The singer who is now 40 years old, has not exchanged words with his sibling since he decided to participate in The X Factor semi-finals rather than attending his brother’s wedding in late 2009.

In a shared interview with his wife Amelia for The Sunday Times Magazine, Olly revealed that since the arrival of their first child, daughter Madison, last year, he has gained a deeper appreciation of how the aftermath affected their family.

After becoming a parent myself, I find it easier to understand and share my mother’s sorrow over the estrangement between us and my twin brother, Ben, which began in 2009. Regardless of our current situation, I harbor only affection and admiration for him.

This year, I’ve been traveling for concerts, and a fresh album of mine is set for release towards the end of 2025. In June, I had the chance to perform alongside Robbie Williams on stage, which was an enjoyable reunion – he’s been more like an older brother to me throughout the years.

In the coming months, Olly and Amelia will be adding another member to their family, as they’re expecting their second child. They exchanged wedding vows back in 2023.

The performer mentioned that he intends to be more involved this time, as he had to leave home shortly after Madison’s birth to join Take That on tour.

Two days following the birth of Madison, I found myself embarking on a tour with Take That, leaving Amelia with significant support from her mother visiting, and my parents residing nearby in Essex. However, the situation proved challenging for me, and I grappled with feelings of guilt.

I realize that my work is different from the norm, and it’s not something I can just leave easily. However, I want to make it clear that I’m committed this time around.

Previously, the artist who is famous for “The Dear Darling” song, opened up about the lasting effects of his estrangement from his sibling. He acknowledged that he often grapples with feelings of solitude.

Last year, he shared with The Times that since sharing a womb with someone, he has experienced bouts of loneliness. Upon leading separate lives with his twin, he has had to confront this feeling head-on.

‘I was desperate to be around people, could not sit in a room alone.’

Currently, it’s unclear if Olly and his brother will reconcile, but he does mention that his primary ambition now is to strive for excellence as a loving spouse and devoted father.

His statement was: ‘I aspire to excel as a fantastic spouse and parent; that’s where my life path is heading. While I’d like my professional journey to carry on smoothly, once married with children, one’s primary focus becomes ensuring the best for them.’

Following the fall-out, Ben also distanced himself from his parents and their sister.

In an interview with Daily Mail in January 2017, Ben shared that his relationship with his parents had been extremely close, but fame and avarice altered everything significantly.

My parents aspired for an extravagant lifestyle with Olly, whom they believed had the financial means to provide it. They enjoyed socializing with figures like Simon Cowell and attending Bon Jovi concerts, always eager to capture such high-status moments in selfies.

‘I’m not interested in anything like that, I have a lovely life with my wife and kids.’

But Olly is still keen to make amends with his brother at some point.

As a committed sibling, I’ve chosen to let bygones be bygones. My heartfelt desire remains unchanged – I yearn for reconciliation and renewal with my brother.

Inquired by Lorraine Kelly in 2018 whether he believed the rift could mend someday, Olly replied: ‘I certainly hope so, it seems absurd because each year I reflect on it, (has it been) nine years, ten years.’

‘I did text him for his birthday but he changed his number. Christmas has never been the same.’

Read More

2025-08-10 11:48