Olly Murs

Real Name: Oliver Stanley Murs

Born Oliver Stanley Murs on 14th May 1984 in Witham, Essex, England. He rose to fame in 2009 when he appeared as a finalist in the UK series of The X Factor. Mentored by Simon Cowell in the 'Over 25's' category, he finished 2nd behind winner, Joe McElderry.

He signed a joint deal between Cowell's label Syco Music and Epic Records in February 2010, after gaining the attention of Epic boss Nick Raphael (who also steered previous X Factor finalists JLS to chart success). His debut single release, "Please Don't Let Me Go", went straight in at number one in the UK singles chart upon release in August 2010.

His debut album followed in November that year, entering at number two in the UK album chart and selling over 300,000 copies in its opening three weeks. The album has now gone double platinum in the UK, and has produced three more single releases: 'Thinking of Me', 'Heart On My Sleeve' and 'Busy'. 'Please Don't Let Me Go' was also nominated in the 'Best British Single' category at the BRIT Awards in 2011.