Olly Murs has revealed that becoming a parent has helped him to ‘relate to his mum’s sadness’ over his estrangement from his twin brother Ben (pictured before their fall-out)

Olly Murs has spoken candidly about the family rift that has quietly followed him for more than a decade — revealing that his twin brother, Ben, still refuses to speak to him, 16 years after a single decision tore their bond apart and left their mother devastated.

In a rare and deeply personal interview, the 41-year-old singer admitted that becoming a father himself has forced him to confront the emotional weight of the estrangement in a way he never truly understood before.

The singer has not spoken to his sibling since he missed his wedding in 2009 to take part in The X Factor semi-finals

“Now that I’m a parent, I can relate more to my mum’s sadness,” Olly explained. “My twin brother and I have been estranged since 2009. I’ve got nothing but love and respect for him — that has never changed.”

A Career High — and a Family Low

In a joint interview with his wife Amelia, Olly shared that since they welcomed their first child last year, he’s had greater understanding of the impact the fall-out had on the family

The Dear Darlin’ hitmaker has had a packed year professionally, releasing new music, touring extensively, and even sharing the stage with Robbie Williams during a major live show in June. Olly described Robbie as someone who has supported him over the years, adding: “He’s been like a big brother to me.”

The Dear Darling hitmaker previously shared the long-term impact his fall-out with his brother (pictured) has had on him, admitting he ‘struggles with loneliness’

But away from the spotlight, his priorities have shifted firmly toward family life. Olly and his wife Amelia are now preparing to welcome their second child, following the birth of their daughter Madison last year — a moment that reshaped his outlook entirely.

“Two days after Madison was born, I had to go straight back out on tour supporting Take That,” Olly recalled. “Amelia had lots of support around her, but it was still really hard. I felt guilty. This time, it’s different. I’m not going anywhere.”

The Decision That Changed Everything

The fracture between Olly and his twin brother dates back to 2009, when Olly chose to miss Ben’s wedding in order to compete in the semi-finals of The X Factor — a career-defining moment that would launch him into fame, but at a profound personal cost.

He has previously admitted that the aftermath left him battling intense loneliness.

“When you’ve been in the womb with someone, that bond is different,” Olly once explained. “When it breaks, the loneliness hits hard. I couldn’t sit in a room alone. I just wanted to be around people all the time.”

“Christmas Has Never Been the Same”

Despite the passing years, the silence between the brothers has not softened. Olly has made several attempts to reconnect — sending birthday messages, holding out hope for reconciliation — but none have been answered.

Speaking publicly in the past, he revealed: “Every year I think about it. Nine years, ten years. I texted him for his birthday, but he’d changed his number. Christmas has never been the same.”

The emotional toll, he says, has been hardest on their mother — something Olly now feels more deeply than ever as a parent himself.

Whether the brothers will ever rebuild their relationship remains uncertain. For now, Olly says, all he can hold onto is love — and the hope that one day, silence might give way to understanding.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/