Marcus Collins says he sees X Factor judge as a member of his family
Marcus Collins - who was mentored by the Take That singer during his time on the TV show - explained he has maintained his close friendship with the star even now the series has drawn to a close.Marcus said: "He's a friend to me now. He knows my family, he calls my family by name."
The 23-year-old singer thinks Gary - who is an executive producer on Marcus' debut album - will continue to be a part of his music career as it moves forward.
He added: "Gary's always very critical because he's very passionate about what he does. But he's a gentleman as usual and it was amazing to be given another opportunity to work with him. Not every X Factor contestant gets to work with their mentor after the show.
"I think he's going to be a part of my career whatever it is. Whatever direction it goes in, he will be the one that kind of approves things and anything will be ran past him."
Marcus' first single from his self-titled debut album will be a cover of the White Stripes song Seven Nation Army, and is due out on March 4.
X Factor's Marcus to launch solo career
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