Thursday, September 19, 2024

Tragedy for X Factor semi-finalist as fiance killed falling from hotel window

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THE fiancée of a boyband star has tragically fallen to his death from a hotel window.

James ‘Jaymi’ Hensley, 34, reached the semi-final of X Factor with Union J in 2012 before the band had a string of hit singles.

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Union J member Jaymi Hensley (right) and partner Olly Marmon (left) celebrating their anniversary last yearCredit: Instagram
The Hind Hotel, Wellingborough, where Olly tragically fell to his death

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The Hind Hotel, Wellingborough, where Olly tragically fell to his deathCredit: SWNS
Olly is said to have fallen from the third floor of the hotel

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Olly is said to have fallen from the third floor of the hotelCredit: SWNS
The pair shared this snap on Instagram while in Norway recently

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The pair shared this snap on Instagram while in Norway recentlyCredit: Instagram
Jaymi of Union J performing at O2 Indigo on September 1, 2018

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Jaymi of Union J performing at O2 Indigo on September 1, 2018Credit: Getty
Louis Walsh with Union J quartet Jamie Hamblett, George Shelley, Josh Cuthbert and Jaymi. in December 2012

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Louis Walsh with Union J quartet Jamie Hamblett, George Shelley, Josh Cuthbert and Jaymi. in December 2012Credit: Rex Features

His partner Olly Marmon, 33, sadly died in the early hours of Monday morning.

Emergency services rushed to the three-star Hind Hotel in Wellingborough, Northampton, after Olly fell at around 11.30pm Sunday night.

Olly’s family shared photos of the star, along with tributes to their “spiritual, gentle soul” who was “beautiful both inside and out.”

It comes after the couple recently shared an Instagram snap while on a trip to Norway.

Both smiled in the selfie, while adoring fans showed their support for the doting pair.

In September, Jaymi shared a post celebrating their anniversary.

The post, showing him kissing Olly on the cheek, said: “14 years together and 1 year until ‘I do!'”

Jaymi had been in a relationship with hairstylist Olly since 2009 and the pair got engaged in 2014.

The pair both met when they were 18.

Olly’s mum Julie and stepdad Steve Peacock said: “Words cannot express the devastation and heartbreak I feel over the loss of my beautiful youngest son Oliver, Olly to his friends.

X Factor star Jaymi Hensley looks unrecognisable after secret hair transplant

“I can’t believe I am having to write this. No mother should have to do this.

“The relationship I had with Oliver was so special, he was my best friend. We spoke every single day. He called me mummy, he used to call me his guardian angel.

“Oliver was so caring, loving, quiet and always put others before himself. He was a very talented hairdresser, and it was a passion he took seriously.

“More recently he had been working with his stepdad Steve gardening and loved it so much. He was spiritual and loved the outdoors.

“He touched many lives and everyone he met fell in love with him. Steve referred to Oliver as his son.

Oliver was so caring, loving, quiet and always put others before himself. He was a very talented hairdresser, and it was a passion he took seriously

Olly’s mum Julie and stepdad Steve

“I will miss my little Oliver so much and don’t know how I will go on without him. Such a devastating loss to all our family including his brothers Ben and James and sister Alex, as well as his Auntie Loraine, Uncle Simon and cousin Sophie.”

Olly’s dad Leigh and stepmum Vanessa Marmon added: “My darling Oliver, I cannot believe that I am writing this. I would give my life to have saved yours. 

“I am struggling with every emotion you can think of, grief, anger, guilt, the list goes on.

“I know that you knew how much you were loved. I was so proud of you and everything you achieved. You have been to places that I can only dream of. 

“Whatever you put your mind to, you achieved. When you were younger you were a talented sportsperson, musician and of course, hairdresser – your dream job. You won medals and awards in gymnastics and hairdressing.

“Your life was too short, but you squeezed so much into it. You were so kind-hearted, a gentle soul who was just so beautiful inside and out.”

Olly’s heartbroken brother Ben said: “Oliver Marmon you are my little ray of sunshine. You are my best friend. You radiate joy and excitement to all around you.

“You are full of creativity and spontaneous ideas for fun. You are the light of happiness in every room. You are so kind and caring and happy to walk in anyone’s shadow as long as everyone else is smiling.

“You are the bravest soul and no matter how much you felt different you were always so loved by everyone. Never underestimate the difference you made and the lives you touched.

“I didn’t tell you enough, but I was immensely proud of you. Always my best friend and my little Bruva bear.”

Olly’s fiance Jaymi was one of the founding members of Union J in 2011 – although the group was originally a trio known as Triple J. 

They auditioned for the ninth series of The X Factor, becoming Union J after fellow contestant George Shelley joined Jaymi, and bandmates JJ Hamblett and Josh Cuthbert.

The foursome came fifth in the competition, which was eventually won by solo singer James Arthur – beating Rylan into fifth, in the same series as Ella Henderson.

The group signed to Sony Music subsidiary RCA Records, releasing debut single ‘Carry You’ in June 2013.

Their self-titled debut studio album followed in October 2013 and peaked at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart.

They left RCA Records in April 2014 and signed with Epic Records. A second LP, named ‘You Got It All – The Album’ came out the following December.

George left the group in 2016 before Josh walked out two years later – leaving Jaymi and JJ as a duo, before the pair officially disbanded in 2019.

They announced a reunion show at London Palladium in 2022 to celebrate Union J’s 10th anniversary and a comeback tour – only for Jaymi to sensationally quit ahead of the gigs.

He took a blistering parting shot while saying “I can’t watch our legacy decay”.

The musician wrote: “To all the Union J fans, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to say I am no longer continuing on my journey as a member of Union J.

“Since day one, our family of fans has brought me love, light and support and has been the main reason for me being such a driving force within the band.

“Last year was the best year of my life being back out on stage with the boys and being in front of you all again.”

Jaymi continued: “I hoped and dreamed of all possibilities afterwards, but this has not happened for several reasons, and therefore, out of love & respect to the family of fans and my integrity as an artist, I cannot sit and watch the legacy that I have tried to sustain for a decade decay any further.

“I will continue to carry artistry, integrity and creativity as my driving force, but now is the time to focus the energy I have consistently put into Union J into myself and create art and music for us all to enjoy together.”

They’ve since admitted that they were dropped by their label Epic Records following their 2014 album You Got It All — only weeks after having a No2 hit — which led to their demise.

They first rose to prominence after finishing fourth on X Factor in 2011, before releasing three albums together.

Union J’s biggest hits include Carry You, Beautiful Life and Loving You Is Easy.

I’ll Carry You, the band’s last single in 2014, charted impressively at number 2.

The band had been set to perform five special shows in 2023, as part of their reunion tour, but they left fans furious as they quietly cancelled them.

Alongside his music career, Jaymi has appeared on Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Pointless.

He joined the likes of Ulrika Johnson, Rachel Stevens and Gogglebox vicar Reverent Kate Bottley on the BBC cooking show in 2017.

He has also appeared on MTV show Just Tattoo of Us with his brother Aaron.

Jaymi on Celebrity Masterchef

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Jaymi on Celebrity MasterchefCredit: BBC
Jaymi (left) regularly posted photos with his partner online

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Jaymi (left) regularly posted photos with his partner onlineCredit: Instagram

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