Colin Murray was born on 10 March 1977 in Dundonald, County Down, Northern Ireland. He grew up in Belfast and has often spoken about his passion for football, music, and broadcasting from an early age. Information about his parents has remained largely private.

He attended Regent House School in Newtownards before studying English at the University of Liverpool. While at university, he became involved in student radio, helping launch a broadcasting career.

Murray began his professional career in local radio before moving to national broadcasting. He gained prominence through music television on Channel 4 and later became a leading sports presenter on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 5 Live, and television networks including the BBC and Channel 5.

He has presented programmes including Match of the Day 2, Fighting Talk, The Late Show, Food Fest Scotland, and Countdown. Food Fest Scotland aired on BBC Scotland and celebrated Scottish food, producers, and culinary culture. Murray lives in England and continues to work across radio, television, sports broadcasting, and quiz entertainment.