In the entertainment world, the trajectory from an ordinary life to stardom often seems like a fairy tale, and for Olly Murs, this transformation is nothing short of spectacular. With over 28 million records sold worldwide, the Essex-born pop star and presenter has carved a niche for himself since his emergence on the UK’s The X Factor in 2009. In Murs’s Who Do You Think You Are? episode he tackles the challenging subject of his grand fathers abandonment during WW2.

Olly’s Mum, Vicky Lynn, and Dad, Pete, ensured that home life was filled with laughter, recalling his childhood in the small Essex town. As one of three children, his early years were marked by a warmth and closeness that would serve as the foundation for his creativity. “We were always joking and singing, which made it fun,” he added, showcasing the happy memories that inspire his stage presence.

Despite his affable persona, Murs recognises that many may only see him as the quintessential Essex lad—a label often accompanied by preconceived notions. As he explains, “I think people presume I’m just Olly Murs from Essex, but actually there is a lot more going on there.” It is a statement led by his desire to unearth a more intriguing aspect of his heritage—a connection to Latvia through his grandfather, Eddie.

As Murs delves deeper into his family history, he acknowledges the limited information he has about his grandfather. “He was a closed book and very tough, very quiet,” Murs mentions, highlighting the challenge of connecting with aspects of his heritage that remain enshrouded in mystery. The echoes of a Latvian lineage prompt a sense of curiosity, especially considering his grandfather’s surname, Murs, which hints at a rich cultural history waiting to be explored.

“I know the Murs. There’s links with the circus,” Olly reveals, expressing enthusiasm for the unexplored territory of his ancestry that he hopes to navigate throughout his episode. His musings on history are intertwined with a desire to discover not just who he is, but also where he comes from—a trail as complex and layered as the music he creates.

Olly Murs’s Journey to Latvia

As Olly dives into his past, he is particularly drawn to the enigmatic figure of his great-grandmother, Veronka Jankavska. Armed with stories from his family, he sets off to piece together the fragments that tell the story of a woman whose life, shrouded in secrecy and heartache, has left an indelible mark on his lineage.

“I really, really hope that I can uncover the mystery of Veronka,” Olly shares, reflecting on his great-grandmother Veronka’s life. The backdrop of his exploration is ripe with emotional weight—Veronka, a woman who seemingly vanished from his family’s life, is shrouded in unanswered questions. What led to her separation from her son? Why did she relinquish him at such a tender age? These questions hang heavy as Olly confronts not only his past but also the lost connections.

Discovering Eduards Murs

His expedition takes a tangible turn in Latvia, where he learns that his great-grandfather, Eduards Albert Murs, was a performer with his wife Katrine—an aspect that resonates with Olly given his own career in entertainment. “They were a double act in the circus,” Olly discovers, which sends ripples of excitement through him. He also learns of Eduards’s infidelity with Veronka.

Visiting Riga Circus, Olly is awash with excitement. “This could actually be where my great-granddad and his wife stood and did that performance,” he reflects. As Olly meets with Elvira, the circus archivist, the narrative around Eduards and his wife Katrina blooms with detail. The archival materials offer a glimpse into their lives as performers during the 1920s and 1930s—a time when the circus was a prominent form of entertainment in Europe. “They were the only ones who had the picture,” Elvira notes, emphasising the significance of their unique performance, which incorporated acrobatic skill and music artistry in a remarkable act of synergy between husband and wife.

Elvira describes their act: Eduards, suspended by his teeth while playing guitar, and Katrina, balancing him on her shoulders while playing the accordion. “I don’t know if I’ve got that in my locker,” Olly jokes, articulating the awe he feels toward their talent. With the sense of connection here amid the circus’s history and artistry, he recognises the artistic lineage he shares.

Yet while the performance elements ignite pride in his family’s legacy, Olly grapples with the moral complexities of their relationships. Learning about the affair Eduards had with Veronka draws a stark contrast to his values. “He wasn’t the most loyal husband, it seemed,” he acknowledges, reflecting on the affair with Veronka.

The Quest for Veronka

As Olly continues his quest for family information into a broader narrative, the need to uncover the truth about Veronka takes precedence. Arriving at the Latvian State Historical Archives, Olly meets Rita, the head archivist, eager to unearth facts that may provide clarity around Veronka’s life. “I’d love to know if you found anything about this mystery woman,” he implores.

Rita presents a registration entry for Veronka, which emerges as a pivotal document in the quest for understanding. “Here’s her name in Russian,” she explains, as at the time Latvia was part of the Soviet Union. Olly’s eyes widen as he is shown a photo of his great-grandmother for the first time. But he also recognises that the path to uncovering the truth about Veronka’s life will not be straightforward.

Through this exploration, the significance of family emerges in sharp relief—each revelation is a brushstroke on the canvas of personal history, painting the complexities and interweavings of love, loss, and aspiration. Connecting with his ancestors is not just about naming them; it’s about understanding the emotional landscapes that shaped their existence and, ultimately, his own.

Veronka’s Ancestry and Early Life

Olly learns about the origins of his great-grandmother Veronka, who was born on 17th August 1909, to Joseph and Tekla Jankavska. “So, doing the math, my great-granddad Eduards was born in 1890, so he’s a good 20 years older than Veronka,” he notes, reflecting on the dynamics of their relationship.

Armed with her passport from 1931, Olly discovers that Veronka, too, was engrossed in the captivating world of the circus—a life that intertwined with that of Eduards. “So she was in the circus as well?” he asks, marvelling at the notion that his great-grandmother shared a professional passion.

In a striking moment of resolution, Olly learns that Veronka was a trapeze artist—“an incredible woman,” he describes, as he reads a newspaper article detailing her performances, even while she was four months pregnant with his grandfather, Eddie. The revelation of Veronka’s talent and tenacity resonates with Olly, forging a connection that enriches his understanding of his heritage.

Yet, amid the awe of unveiling his family’s circus legacy, Olly confronts the sobering reality of Veronka’s life post-circus. The family historian Armand Sarris guides Olly to an apartment in Riga where Veronka lived in 1932 while pregnant with Eddie. As Olly steps into the space where his roots were planted, he is met with a wave of emotion.

“This flat was the first home for the newborn Eddie,” Armand explains, underlining the importance of this humble beginning. Olly reflects on the challenges Veronka must have faced as a young mother: “Financially and emotionally, that must have been really, really hard.” With little support, and her career aspirations still calling, Veronka’s journey into motherhood paints a vivid portrait of the constraints weighed against personal ambition in a world still bound by tradition.

The Struggles of a Young Family

Veronka’s struggle to balance her new role as a mother while wanting to provide for her son becomes more apparent when Olly uncovers documents revealing that she returned to work shortly after Eddie’s birth. “She looks fantastic,” Olly muses, viewing a newspaper clipping from April 1932 that features Veronka as a performer. The weight of her choices juxtaposed against her aspirations drives home the sacrifices she made.

“Imagine—she’s back on the trapeze just a couple of months after Eddie’s birth,” he remarks, recognizing the complexity of Veronka’s decisions. This exploration of her life raises the spectre of maternal love intermingled with the necessity of survival. Yet, despite her diligence, Veronka’s choices lead her to a crossroads.

Veronka had to hand Eddie over to his maternal grandparents for support—the act weighed heavily on their relationship, resulting in a legacy of unresolved feelings. This pain carried forward, shaping Eddie’s perspectives and relationships throughout his life.

The Impact of War on Family Dynamics

As World War II looms, Olly turns his attention to the years that followed and meets historian Petrus Kolonija at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, gaining insights into how the war reshaped the lives of Latvian families. “When the Soviets take over the country, everything changes,” Petrus explains. The realities of occupation and conflict led to famine, forced deportations, and a desperate struggle for survival for many families, including Olly’s.

Veronka’s subsequent marriage to a man named Voldemars Aisbergs in 1942 provides a glimpse into her attempts to establish a stable life. However, the marriage is short-lived, ending in divorce just a year later. “The divorce suit against Veronka occurred on December 17th, 1943,” Petrus states, revealing the emotional exhaustion Veronka must have faced amidst the chaos of war.

“Veronka Jankavska kept her surname—a sign that could suggest significant choices made during turbulent times,” Petrus notes, prompting Olly to reflect on the weight these decisions carry across generations.

The Separation of Mother and Son

The climax of the emotional narrative emerges when Olly learns about the moment his grandfather, Eddie, and his family faced a pivotal choice—whether to evacuate from Latvia as the German army retreated. “I know that my granddad left Latvia during the Second World War with his dad,” Olly states, recognising the chasm that forms as family members are forced apart under dire circumstances.

Petrus explains the evacuation was fraught with difficulty, and “many didn’t want to be in a Soviet-occupied country.” Choosing to leave pursues safety but also risks severing ties. Olly grapples with the reality that while his grandfather was swept away to safety, Veronka stayed behind—a decision that would have lasting repercussions.

“Why didn’t Veronka go with them?” Olly questions, the emotional weight of the inquiry palpable. Given the potential outcomes, the lack of clarity around these decisions deepens the mystery. “We will never know,” Petrus replies gently, acknowledging the shadows cast over choices made in desperation.

As Olly processes the historical realities that shaped his family, he confronts the profound emotional impact of these revelations on his grandfather’s psyche. “My granddad had such anger towards her for how he felt he was abandoned,” he reflects, his voice laced with empathy. The trauma of war rippled through generations, shaping not just the lives of those who experienced it, but also those who came after them.

“I think my great-grandmother made a really bold decision at that bridge that day to say goodbye to her son,” Olly concludes, summarising the emotional gravity of Veronka’s sacrifice. The heartbreak and storytelling resonate deeply with him, creating a mosaic of familial love interwoven with pain and absence.

The Journey to Germany

Meeting Marianna Sciamma at the Latvians Abroad Museum, Olly learns about the perilous journey taken by his great-grandfather Eduards, his grandmother Katrina, and his grandfather Eddie as they fled Latvia during World War II. “While thousands of Latvian civilians left Latvia at that time as refugees, many of them left here from Riga,” Marianna explains, guiding Olly through the historical chaos of that era.

The registration card for a refugee camp in Germany reveals that Eddie lived there with Eduards and Katrina after the war ended in 1945. “My granddad is finally using the name Murs,” Olly notes, recognizing a pivotal shift in identity as his grandfather embraces his father’s surname. This realization feels symbolic, marking a new chapter for the family as they navigate the aftermath of war and loss.

Seeing a photograph of his grandfather at the refugee camp, Olly contemplates the emotional weight carried by Eddie—a boy torn from his mother, grappling with separation and uncertainty. “Is he thinking of his mum? Is he thinking of whether this is going to change—am I going to be able to go home?” he ponders, evoking empathy for the struggles of his ancestors.

The Mystery of Veronka

While Olly gains clarity about his grandfather’s early life in Germany, the fate of Veronka remains shrouded in mystery. “What happened to my great-grandma Veronka when she was here on her own?” he questions, expressing his desire to uncover the full story. This query propels him to the Latvian State Archives, where an unsettling truth awaits.

Meeting with historian Diana Blarry, Olly uncovers criminal files archived from the Soviet occupation. The gravity of history strikes Olly as he learns Veronka was arrested on December 10, 1950. “I mean, what has she been arrested for?” he asks in disbelief. The revelation that she was accused of making anti-Soviet statements marks a tragic turn in her narrative, echoing the chilling realities of living under totalitarian rule.

Diana explains the severity of the charges, detailing how expressing dissent—even in private conversations—could lead to grave consequences during Stalin’s reign. “So basically, anyone that said anything negative towards the Soviet Union could be arrested,” Olly grapples with this news, highlighting the oppressive atmosphere of the time.

A Brave Spirit

Despite these harrowing circumstances, Veronka pleaded not guilty, revealing her courageous spirit. “She’s saying that she didn’t do anything wrong,” Olly reflects, proud of his great-grandmother’s defiance. Yet, the court’s judgment condemns her to eight years in a corrective labour camp for merely speaking against the regime. “I mean, this is just brutal,” Olly responds, his heart heavy with the weight of Veronka’s suffering.

The exploration of her time in imprisonment unveils a story fraught with hardship. Many prisoners did not survive the arduous conditions, and the knowledge that his great-grandmother endured this turmoil resonates profoundly with Olly. Miraculously, after five years of harsh labour, Veronka was released in 1956. Nonetheless, her return to Latvia is bittersweet, as she seeked to reconnect with her son Eddie. “This looks like she really cared,” Olly says, interpreting her efforts to locate her family as a testament to her love, despite the gap created by years of separation.

Finding her death certificate dated 1988 serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the fragility of family connections. It is heartbreaking to learn that Veronka died alone, without the family she so desperately sought after her tumultuous past. “It really saddens me that none of us could have been there for her at that point,” Olly shares, a wave of empathy crashing over him for the woman he never met but who has now come to mean so much.

A Journey to Closure

The culmination of Olly’s search leads him to the outskirts of Riga, to the very cemetery where Veronka is buried. Standing in the unmarked section, he reflects on the challenges and sadness that characterised her life. “I hope that she’s at peace now,” Olly says quietly, paying tribute to her resilience and spirit.

In this intimate moment, Olly feels a connection that transcends time, a linkage to the woman whose choices so deeply impacted his family tree. As he prepares to share his findings with his father, he recognises the brewing emotional culmination of this journey. “Today was an emotional day for me. I feel that it was a lot of information to take in, things I didn’t expect. And to hear that my great-grandmother died in 1988 with no family around her. It really saddens me. She had a son. She had grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the time of her death. It’s just a shame that none of us could have been there for her at that point.,”.

Upon reconnecting with his father, Olly reveals the discoveries he made during his journey. “Dad, let me tell you. I’ve found out so much stuff,” he shares, feeling the weight of every moment and every revelation. The emotional connection between father and son deepens as they navigate their shared ancestry, drawn together by the truths Olly has uncovered.

“Now we can always come and visit this as a family,” Olly suggests, offering a vision of continuity—of remembrance in their family line. The tears of his father serve as an emotional testament to the impact of self-discovery and the long shadow cast by their shared history. “He had his reasons,” Olly reflects, acknowledging the complexities of familial love and the pain of the past.

The journey concludes not with a resolution of every mystery but rather with an enriched understanding of who they are and where they come from. Olly’s exploration illuminates the pathways that have led to his present-day identity and shapes his relationship with his father moving forward. “I feel very connected to my family more than I have ever really,” Olly concludes, emphasising the affection and pride he feels in being part of a lineage marked by resilience.