Olly Murs shares new details about his 'interesting' relationship with Caroline Flack as he reveals she was a 'huge part' of his life ahead of headlining festival in her memory

Olly Murs has shared a new insight into his 'interesting' relationship with his late friend Caroline Flack who he says was a 'huge part' of his life.

The singer, 39, had a close friendship with the Love Island host, who died aged 40 in February 2020. She was found dead in her London home after taking her own life.

Olly, who welcomed his first child with his wife Amelia recently, spoke of their incredibly close bond while presenting the Xtra Factor together in 2009.

Speaking to the Big Issue, Olly admitted: 'She was a huge part of my life and career. Special person, special friend. We had an interesting relationship, but it was great. And it's mad because people say they visit you in your dreams.'

Olly, who is headlining Flackstock in memory of Caroline, revealed she 'visits him in his dreams' quite frequently, which he finds quite 'lovely'.

Olly Murs has shared a new insight into his 'interesting' relationship with his late friend Caroline Flack who he says was a 'huge part' of his life (pictured in 2011)

Olly Murs has shared a new insight into his 'interesting' relationship with his late friend Caroline Flack who he says was a 'huge part' of his life (pictured in 2011) 

The singer, 39, had a close friendship with the Love Island host, who died aged 40 in February 2020. She was found dead in her London home after taking her own life (pictured in 2015)

The singer, 39, had a close friendship with the Love Island host, who died aged 40 in February 2020. She was found dead in her London home after taking her own life (pictured in 2015)

He said: 'It's mad because people say they visit you in your dreams... Caz [Caroline] does that quite frequently, actually. It's surreal, but it's lovely when them days happen.'

He previously revealed he tried to meet up with Caroline not long before her death but she never showed up, and admitted that he 'always' thinks about it.

Speaking about the ongoing struggle of mental health in the music and TV industry, Olly added: 'Anyone in this profession has suffered from mental health issues. 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.

'Talking to other people is the most important thing. Sometimes you just need a voice from the outside that isn't a family, that isn't your friends, to get to the nitty gritty of who you are.'

Olly was announced to be the headliner of this year's Flackstock Festival, in memory of Caroline.

Her family and friends created the intimate festival to celebrate her life and raise critical funds for four mental health charities, which were close to Caroline's heart.

Flackstock is back for its third year with a host of celebrities taking part and Olly, 39, being revealed as the headline act.

Speaking about headlining the gig with a full set for the first time, Olly said: 'It’s going to be amazing to be back at Flackstock this year.

Olly, who is headlining Flackstock in memory of Caroline, revealed she 'visits him in his dreams' quite frequently, which he finds quite 'lovely' (pictured in 2015)

Olly, who is headlining Flackstock in memory of Caroline, revealed she 'visits him in his dreams' quite frequently, which he finds quite 'lovely' (pictured in 2015)

The singer had a close friendship with Caroline after they presented The Xtra Factor together, and he performed in the finale of the event for the last two years (pictured in 2015)

The singer had a close friendship with Caroline after they presented The Xtra Factor together, and he performed in the finale of the event for the last two years (pictured in 2015)

'For the past two years I’ve been there for the closing of the night and performed Sweet Caroline. But this year we are doing a full set for the crowd, and I can’t wait to perform at this day festival in Caroline’s memory. 

'This isn’t just a gig - it’s something that’s raised nearly half a million pounds for four brilliant charities and it’s a pleasure to be there to help raise even more for them on behalf of Caz.'

It comes after Olly welcomed a beautiful baby girl Maddison with his wife Amelia Tank.

The couple uploaded a photograph leaving the hospital as they revealed they had welcomed a baby girl. 

The joint post read: 'Our mini Murs has arrived. Madison we love you so much already x'.

If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, you can contact The Samaritans helpline 24/7 on 116 123 for help and support 

He previously revealed he tried to meet up with Caroline not long before her death but she never showed up, and admitted that he 'always' thinks about it

He previously revealed he tried to meet up with Caroline not long before her death but she never showed up, and admitted that he 'always' thinks about it

It comes after Olly welcomed a beautiful baby girl Maddison last week with his wife Amelia Tank

It comes after Olly welcomed a beautiful baby girl Maddison last week with his wife Amelia Tank

The couple uploaded a photograph leaving the hospital as they revealed they had welcomed a baby girl

The couple uploaded a photograph leaving the hospital as they revealed they had welcomed a baby girl