Olly Murs: Into The Unknown | Preview (ITV1)

From Monday 11 May, multi-platinum singer and Heart presenter, Olly Murs, will step away from the mic, into his sport kit, and out of his comfort zone as he takes on a gruelling 400km Soccer Aid for UNICEF challenge.

Over five punishing days, Olly will tackle some of the UK’s toughest terrain as he runs, rows and rides his way from Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium, where Soccer Aid first kicked-off 20 years ago, to London Stadium, home of this year’s landmark match.   

Announcing the brutal challenge today, Olly admitted he’s going to need to “dig deep” as he is being told next to nothing about the direction that he will take and will only discover the day’s route moments before he sets off. It means he’ll have no clue when he’ll be scaling the steepest peaks, biking the most brutal uphill climbs or facing his long-held fear of deep water, until he’s standing on the start line each day. 

Speaking about the epic challenge, Olly said: “I’m so nervous about this challenge but at the same time determined to complete it for Soccer Aid for UNICEF. I’ve been a part of the Soccer Aid family for so long, it’s only right that I step up for the 20th anniversary year. I’ve never done anything of this magnitude before and the fact most of it is unknown, makes it even more unnerving! I’m not a massive water fan so I’m not looking forward to the rowing parts. The thought of me on my own in a little rowing boat really freaks me out!  

“Having had children since I last took part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF, my perspective on life has really changed. Raising money that can help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play means a huge amount more to me now and will play a massive part in my motivation for the challenge as I take on each day. Despite the unknown, I just hope I can dig deep, do everyone proud and raise ridiculous amounts of money for UNICEF.” 

Olly first laced up his boots for Soccer Aid for UNICEF back in 2010. Now over 40, a veteran of the game, and with a knee injury to endure, he’s entering unchartered territory with the uncertainty of what lies ahead, combined with the unforgiving landscape, that will push Olly to his limit. He’ll need every ounce of stamina he can muster and all the support he can get to reach the finish. 

Across the week, audiences can follow Olly’s journey live on ITV’s This Morning and on Heart as he shares daily updates from cross-country terrain, relentless roads and daunting stretches of open water ways.  

The epic challenge will also be captured for a one-off special documentary on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player as viewers can watch every moment from Olly’s epic challenge on Friday 29 May at 9pm, produced by Initial TV (a Banijay UK company). 

The documentary forms part of a special brand new week of Soccer Aid for UNICEF programming from Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 31st May, including the brand new documentary, Soccer Aid: More Than Just A Game, which takes a special look back at the illustrious legacy of Soccer Aid for UNICEF as the match celebrates a milestone 20 years.