Olly Murs has revealed he dreams about visiting late friend Caroline Flack (Picture: Getty)
Olly Murs opened up about the ‘surreal’ experience of late TV personality Caroline Flack visiting him in his dreams – four years on from her tragic death.
The Troublemaker singer formed a close bond with Flack during their time as a presenting duo on the X Factor spin-off show, The Xtra Factor, from 2011 to 2012. The pair remained close friends until Flack’s death, aged 40, in February 2020 when she took her own life.
Murs, 39, has long been candid about his grief and regularly spoken about his friendship and Flack’s legacy to the press and public.
In an interview with Big Issue, he lifted the lid further as he reflected on the spiritual connection that remains between the two of them in the form of dreams.
‘It’s mad because people say they visit you in your dreams,’ he began to the publication. ‘Caz [Caroline] does that quite frequently actually. It’s lovely when people that pass away do that.
‘Since Caroline passed, I’ve made those moments. It’s the most surreal moment but it’s lovely when them days happen. I’d love to see Caz again and chat to her.’
Murs and Flack became close friends while presenting The Xtra Factor together. (Picture: Getty)
Describing Flack as a ‘special person [and] special friend’, Murs added that being in the showbiz industry takes an inevitable toll on mental health. This led him to therapy to work through his feelings even if he is seen as ‘a bit of a geezer’.
‘Everyone I’ve met – everyone – has suffered with depression or anxiety or worry,’ he continued. ‘Talking to other people is the most important thing.
‘At some point in my life, I had to go and see a therapist. For someone who’s looked at as a bit of a geezer I’m not afraid to admit that.
‘Sometimes you just need another voice from the outside that isn’t family, that aren’t your friends, to get to the nitty gritty of who you are and understand why you’re feeling like this.’
Murs was moved to tears during The Voice UK last year after remembering Caroline Flack. (Picture: ITV)
The former Voice UK judge was moved to tears back in November after listening to a cover of Billie Eilish’s song Before I Go which tackles the theme of suicide. Upon turning his chair for hopeful singer Sheridan, he explained he ‘lost a good friend to suicide a few years back’.
‘It hit me. I think there’s a lot of stuff I haven’t dealt with that I need to talk about. Sheridan walked into my life and maybe I need that,’ he added at the time.
The hitmaker recently became a first-time parent with his wife Amelia, introducing the world to ‘mini Murs’ aka Madison earlier in April.
Although the musician had to leave for tour shortly after his daughter’s birth, he gave her a sweet shoutout while performing with Take That in Leeds.
‘What’s so amazing about tonight is it’s my first show as a daddy. I’m going to try and not get emotional. Little Maddison is doing really well,’ he told the arena.
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org between the hours of 9am and midnight.
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