Olly Murs has hit out at a report concerning his body transformation, telling fans he is “disappointed” by the coverage of his fitness journey.
Pop singer Olly, 40, shared a snap of a newspaper article concerning his new muscly appearance on Instagram yesterday (Wednesday April 30).
The piece had before and after pics of Olly’s body – and a headline that claimed “women prefer your ‘huggable dad bod'” to the physique he has honed in the gym.
Olly Murs reactions to ‘body shaming’
The comparison image used in the article was previously shared on social media around 10 days ago by a nutritionist working with Olly.
But it seems the words accompanying the photos are what has annoyed Olly. He protested in his upload’s caption: “I wouldn’t normally comment on stuff like this but from what I’ve seen I just want to say that this journey at the start of the year was for many personal reasons and not one of them was to spark a debate and divide opinions.”
He went on to say it was “very disappointing” to see such coverage. And Olly also wished “big love to everyone who’s been kind” and also to “anyone out there improving themselves and making adjustments to their wellbeing”.
Urging everyone to “ignore the noise”, Olly came in for waves of support from his followers and celeb pals. Over 100,000 of them gave Olly their backing with a Like or a supportive comment within hours of him posting.
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Celeb friends offer support
Among them was his wife Amelia. She geed up her husband: “I still can’t get my head around this utter nonsense. Being publicly body shamed for getting into the best shape yet… makes sense. Well I couldn’t be prouder of ya.”
Brian Friedman, formerly of X Factor, was also wowed. The choreographer remarked: “Congratulations on your achievement Olly! That takes such an insane amount of discipline.”
Other famous faces were also seriously impressed by how much work Olly has put in.
Jeff Brazier praised him: “Let’s celebrate your dedication to self improvement, being healthy both for you and your family so they get to enjoy the best, most energised and mentally balanced version of you and the discipline it requires to make good choices and continuously show up for yourself! Well done Olly.”
Duncan James chipped in: “I think you look amazing bro! Body is on point! That’s hard work and dedication and it’s paid off!”
That’s hard work and dedication and it’s paid off!
And Jake Quickenden added: “Mate looking great and I bet you feel great you’re a new dad and to juggle it all is hard. Exercise helps in many ways. Yeah you look sick with the abs but I bet your mind is clear, you have more energy for the family, the lot. Well done bro!”
Meanwhile, Katie Piper kept her comment short with a red heart emoji, and John Terry told Olly: “Looking unbelievable. Well done.”
‘Keep doing what makes you feel good’
Other celebs took a pop at the coverage as they acted as cheerleaders for Olly.
Vernon Kay claimed: “It’s a reassuring piece for those that can’t. Simple as that.”
Scarlett Moffatt tutted: “Honestly you can’t do right for doing wrong! You’re healthy! You’re happy! Sod anyone else.”
“Everyone needs to stop commenting on other people’s bodies. Judged either way. Keep doing what makes you feel good!” said Ashley James.
Wes Nelson scoffed: “What a joke! Keep doing your thing mate!” And John Barrowman fumed: “Tell the Haters to F off, you do what makes you feel good.”
Read more: Olly Murs reveals wife is pregnant with second baby as showbiz pals send congratulations
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