Marcus Collins has revealed mentor, Gary Barlow, is like a father figure to him.
The pair have been working on Marcus' debut album and the X Factor finalist spoke of his close relationship to the Take That star.
"I look up to him like he's my dad. He's unbelievable, such a nice guy," he told The Sun, adding, "I speak to him all the time — I called the other day just to check in."
Marcus' self-titled debut will be released next month and it features current single, The White Stripes cover 'Seven Nation Army'.
Marcus at the BRITs
He's also be on board the upcoming X Factor tour and he says all his fellow acts are keen to get started.
"People are raring to go and don't want to be forgotten," he admitted.
The crooner's hectic schedule has been blamed for his recent break up with long term boyfriend, David Heath.
See Marcus chatting to Entertainmentwise about his Valentine's Day plans here.
Marcus And Gary Swarmed By Fans In Liverpool
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