Olly Murs shares why he turned down Celebrity Traitors

Olly Murs has shared why he turned down the chance to appear on Celebrity Traitors <i>(Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)</i>
Olly Murs has shared why he turned down the chance to appear on Celebrity Traitors (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)
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Olly Murs has revealed he turned down the chance to appear on the second season of Celebrity Traitors.

The singer and presenter said he was invited to join the BBC reality show, which is currently filming with a cast that includes Richard E. Grant, Michael Sheen, and Julie Hesmondhalgh.

However, his commitment to completing a challenge for Soccer Aid meant he was unable to do it.

Murs told The Sun: "I was asked to do Celebrity Traitors last year for this season.

"I would have definitely done it.

"I love the show.

"But because I had this challenge and my brother-in-law’s wedding, this time of year was always going to be busy."

Murs completed a 400km challenge for Soccer Aid on Friday (May 15), taking on a gruelling journey between Manchester and London that combined running, cycling, and rowing.

At the time of writing, he has raised more than £830,000 for the children's charity UNICEF.

The challenge will be documented in a special ITV programme airing on Friday, May 29.

Murs says how much he missed wife and children during challenge

Murs shared that being away from his wife, Amelia, and their children, Madison and Albert, proved just as tough.

He said: "As soon as I started talking about them, I just wanted to be at home and with my wife and my kids and just curl up in bed, to be honest."

The challenge also meant missing his birthday with Amelia for the third year in a row.

He said: "It’s my third year not seeing my wife on my birthday.

"She politely reminded me of that."

Murs said he plans to make up for lost time with a special celebration.

He said: "Me and Amelia have got something planned for the weekend.

"I’ve got friends and family coming over to see me and have some food and some drinks and just relax."


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Despite the exhaustion, Mr Murs said he hopes the training will benefit him when he returns to the pitch for Soccer Aid later this month.

He said: "This challenge is a chance for me to prove that I can do it.

"I might play longer than people expect."

Will you be watching Celebrity Traitors' second season when it airs? Let us know in the comments.

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