'I'm in the best shape of my life,' says Olly Murs

Olly Murs said he was in the "best shape of my life" as he prepared for 16 summer shows across the UK and Ireland.

The 40-year-old pop star planned his tour to mark 15 years since rising to fame on The X Factor.

"The first time I ever stood behind a mic and entertained people it felt right, it felt good, it felt amazing," Murs told BBC Essex.

He spoke ahead of his biggest-ever gig in his home county at Chelmsford City Racecourse on 6 July.

Murs, who became a father last April, said it was an "extra-special year".

"It's a year of me becoming a dad and a year of me being able to celebrate with my fans what has really been an incredible career," he said.

"I'm very lucky and grateful to every single one of them for the love and support and for what they've given me.

"They've given me the most incredible life from the first audition to now."

The nine-week run of shows is set to begin on 13 June and conclude in County Durham on 17 August.

Murs said he was rehearsing for the performances, designing the set, picking his songs and getting his voice ready for a "relentless" run.

"It's a bit mental really, there's a lot of strain so I'm just building the muscles and figuring out what I'm going to say, what I'm going to do," he added.

"I care so much about how it looks, how the fans will perceive it and what the set's going to be like and I just want it to be great for everyone."

Easter Sunday will mark 16 years since Murs' first-ever live performance, at The George pub in Witham.

He said what followed since had been "incredible", having scooped four UK number one hits, become a judge on The Voice UK and toured with Take That in 2024.

"When I watch old videos of me, I was just like an excited little puppy," Murs said.

"I was new to the industry and I couldn't believe the response I was getting.

"Over the years you become more experienced, calmer, and you realise you need to relax.

"I do feel like I'm in the best shape of my life at the moment. I really hope when fans see me on this tour they'll be surprised and be like 'wow, Olly is really looking good'."

Murs said he had no plans to call it a day, admitting he still relished getting on stage and the nerves that came with it.

"That makes me realise that when the day comes that I'm not nervous to go out at the O2, maybe it's time for me to retire," he added.

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