Olly Murs Reveals His 'X Factor' Experience Left Him In Need Of Therapy

"It took me a few years to pluck up the courage to speak to someone."

Olly Murs has revealed he was left in need of therapy after his time on ‘The X Factor’ came to an end.

The ‘Heart Skips A Beat’ singer found fame on the ITV singing contest in 2009, eventually finishing in second place, behind Joe McElderry.

Almost a decade later, Olly has now spoken about how his experience was blighted by receiving a barrage of online abuse, ending in him seeking out a therapist.

Olly Murs and Joe McElderry during the 2009 'X Factor' final
Olly Murs and Joe McElderry during the 2009 'X Factor' final
Ken McKay/TalkbackThames/REX/Shutterstock

It took me a few years to pluck up the courage to speak to someone,” he told OK! Magazine. “I only went a couple of times but talking to someone who wasn’t judgemental helped me to understand why I was reacting or feeling the way I was.”

Despite not winning ‘The X Factor’, Olly went on to become one of its most successful contestants ever, with four UK number one singles to his name.

In 2011, he returned to the show to present spin-off, ‘The Xtra Factor’, alongside TV presenter Caroline Flack, with whom he later presented the main show for one series in 2015.

Olly at a photo-call for 'The Voice'
Olly at a photo-call for 'The Voice'
MCPIX/REX/Shutterstock

However, since then, he’s made the move to rival show ‘The Voice UK’, where he’s currently filming his second series as a coach.

Olly recently admitted that ‘X Factor’ boss Simon Cowell didn’t take his decision to move to ‘The Voice’ too well (particularly as he turned down a seat on ‘The X Factor’ panel in order to do so), claiming he wasn’t sure whether or not they were on speaking terms.

Read Olly Murs’ full interview in the latest issue of OK! Magazine, on sale now.

OK!
Stacey Solomon (Series 6, 2009)

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