Parenthood often looks perfect on Instagram, but behind the filters and smiling baby pictures, it comes with its fair share of challenges.
That’s exactly what Olly Murs and his wife Amelia have been sharing as they prepare to welcome their second child together.
The singer, now 40, and his fitness-enthusiast wife, 32, are already parents to 16-month-old daughter Madison.
With baby number two on the way next month, the couple admitted that while they’re excited, parenting hasn’t been as picture-perfect as people might think.
Amelia’s Honest Take on Motherhood
In a joint interview with OK! Magazine, Amelia opened up about how becoming a mum has been both beautiful and difficult.
She admitted that after Madison’s birth, she often felt lonely and struggled more than she expected.
Her daughter’s delivery was via an unplanned C-section after doctors found Madison was lying in a tricky position.
Amelia recalled:
“We were planning a natural birth, but Madi was transverse so we didn’t have an option.”
What really surprised her was the recovery. As someone who has always been active and passionate about the gym, the bodybuilder said she wasn’t prepared for how tough it would be.
“The recovery was brutal and I wish people had been more honest about that,” she explained.
The Pressure of Balance
Olly, who tied the knot with Amelia in July 2023, echoed his wife’s views.
He stressed that it’s important not to pretend everything is perfect, saying:
“There’s no point being all happy and Instagrammy, like ‘It’s all amazing.’
Being parents is unbelievable, but at the same time it’s extremely hard.”
He added that for Amelia, who hasn’t been able to train at the gym much during her pregnancy, it’s been especially tough: “You don’t want to lose who you are, so it’s about finding a balance.”
A Sweet Announcement for Baby Number Two
The couple announced their pregnancy back in April with a heartwarming black-and-white Instagram video.
The clip showed the family walking through a park, with Madison riding on Olly’s shoulders wearing a denim jacket that read “BIG SIS.”
Amelia held baby scan photos while the pair wrote: “We’re so egg-cited to share this… Another Baby Murs on the way.”
The news came just a year after they introduced Madison to the world in April 2024.
Guilt Over Missing the Early Days
Olly has also been very open about his regrets as a first-time dad.
Just two days after Madison was born, he had to leave Amelia and their newborn behind to join Take That on tour.
Speaking to The Sunday Times Magazine, he confessed: “It was hard and I felt guilty.
Two days after Madison was born I had to go on tour.
Amelia had lots of support from her mum and my parents, but second time round I’m not going anywhere.”
Last month, the singer admitted he broke down months later, when he realised he hadn’t really had the chance to connect with his daughter as a baby.
Chatting with his friend Mark Wright on Heart Breakfast, Olly revealed: “I didn’t process it at the time, but a few months later, me and Amelia were talking and I just broke down in tears because I never got to know this little baby.”
Making Time for Family
Even while touring, Olly did his best to race home to Essex after gigs to spend time with Amelia and Madison.
He once joked in an interview: “I’ve done the nappies, I’ve done the late nights, and I can’t wait to stay on tour… I’m joking!”
Despite the tough moments, he made it clear how proud he is of becoming a dad, admitting: “I never thought I’d be a dad, so I can’t quite believe it. Honestly, she’s truly awesome.”
Looking Ahead
Now, with another baby due in just a few weeks, Olly is determined to be more present and involved this time around.
For both him and Amelia, honesty has been the key—sharing not just the joy of parenthood but also the struggles that come with it.
