X Factor runner-up Marcus Collins laughs when I ask him if it’s true he and Ipswich-born professional dancer Robin Windsor are heading down the aisle.
“Ha ha! This was a comment slightly taken out of context. It’s something we’ve discussed but no set plans as yet,” says the 23-year-old singer, who lost out to Little Mix in the 2011 series.
He confesses Strictly Come Dancing star Windsor is frustrated at being forced to pull out of hit BBC1 show this year due to a serious back injury.
“You can see his feet twitching while watching it, but it was important to have the operation and I’m sure you will see him back on your screens soon.”
Both would like to see a same-sex dance partnership perform on the show, although Collins isn’t sure he could dance against his other half if he was asked to take part.
“I’m a very competitive person so I don’t think I could dance opposite Robin. I’m the singer, he’s the dancer and an amazing one at that. I’d never rule the show out but not at the moment,” says the Liverpudlian, who’s about to start his first solo UK theatre tour.
“I’m so excited, nervous too as would be expected I guess. It is a lot of pressure as the last tour I did was with the whole The X Factor team. I just can’t wait to hit the road to see new places and fans both old and new. I hope they enjoy it.
“We’ve some Motown, a few tracks from my first album and also some new material. The set I perform on the tour is really meaningful to me, each track has a personal message and I take the audience on that journey with me.”
Collins, who has been busy writing and working on new tracks, including new single Sweet Thang, admits he found life after X Factor hard.
“It was difficult after The X Factor to find my place within the industry, something that was true to myself, my fans wanted and still being marketable. I believe this new material is the perfect balance. It has been some time since I last released a single and it had to be just right, I have also co-wrote the new material which was important to me.”
A huge fan of the hit ITV1 show before appearing on it, a couple of current contestants have already caught his eye.
“Amy Connolly as she has came back years after her initial performance. I love that as it shows the fight she has inside her, it took me three tries before getting to bootcamp. I also loved Jake Quickenden, but for a different reason.
“When he came into the audition he really did not connect with the song, but then Mel and Cheryl gave him some advice and he turned it round. It showed the viewers the importance of having a mentor on the show, they really can take you to the next level and I believe Gary (Barlow) did with me.”
Collins’ show at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre tomorrow has been postponed but he’ll be at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on October 3.
“Come along as we’re going to have ourselves a good old time. I can’t wait to see you.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here