AN X Factor and musical theatre star is bringing his debut solo tour to Clacton next month.

Marcus Collins, who was runner-up to girl group Little Mix on the singing show in 2011, will perform original tracks from his upcoming album, as well as Motown classics.

The former hairdresser’s life has turned upside down since he auditioned for the tv show.

And he is now looking to push on with his career - with the help of old X Factor mentor Gary Barlow.

Marcus said: “I’d never had so many people around me – so much interest from people, so much money, all these amazing things, a career on the up.

“Gary’s really shaped my career to this point.

“I look up to him so much. It’s a once-in-alifetime experience to have someone as influential as him on my side, giving me advice on my career.

“Every time I record a song, I take it to Gary and he listens to it before I take it to the record label.

“I just wanted to come across as how I am. I didn’t want them to manipulate me and make me into something else.

Marcus Collins is at the Princes Theatre on October 3, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £20 (£18 concessions) on 01255 686633 or essex-live.co.uk.