Olly Murs is ready for 'the next chapter' with his new 'mature music' - and is equally hopeful of fixing a family member fallout.
The X Factor star was thrust into the spotlight on the ITV show and becoming an overnight singing star as a happy go lucky 25-year-old Essex lad.
But finding fame hasn't come without costs. His decision to not attend his twin brother Ben's wedding due to a clash with The X Factor semi-final led to Ben becoming estranged from the family.
And perhaps due to embarking on a new direction in his life, he remains optimistic that one day there may be a way forward for the pair.
Murs told The Sun: "I do believe that we will work it out one day I have to believe that.
"As a family we talk about Ben like he is here. Even though he is not in our lives any more. We never forget him. But there's no anger or hate, we are full of love.
"And the door is always open for him."
Now 38, Murs' comments come as he's releasing his seventh record which is on course to give him his fifth No1 album.
And although he's enjoyed making music once more he admits that this re-direction makes him feel 'nervous' as he doesn't take success in the industry for granted.
He added: "It's feels like I'm releasing my first record again so I'm a bit nervous. I've worked so hard on it and have really pushed myself.
"I have taken my voice to another place and become more confident in different areas of my voice."
The Skips a Beat hit-maker maintains his album is ''not a love album' tracks entitled Marry Me clearly showing his forthcoming nuptials to partner Amelia Tank were heavy on his mind.
Murs says how when he played album closer Let Me Just Say to Amelia, she burst into tears and said it was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for her.
And although he's in a good place now he admits he's been faced with some tough times especially coming to terms with the loss of his best friend Caroline Flack, who died by suicide in 2020.
He told the publication: "I don't know if I'll ever get over losing her, of hearing the news and the fact she took her own life."
He said her loss and the timing of the tragedy as he was due to have a third major knee operation left him struggling during his recovery with his lack of mobility leading him in a downward mental health spiral.
He found himself eating 'crap' on his couch as he was confronted with the fact he may not return to fitness for performing on stage.
But after a rocky road — which also saw him struggle with his vocal chords and having a month of no voice — he began to train with a physio and 'pull it together'.
He added: "Luckily I got it sorted and my voice is back and I've dealt with my mental health quite well."
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