JLS star Marvin Humes has opened up on his friendship with One Direction's Niall Horan, saying he is almost like a younger brother.

The singer, alongside wife Rochelle Humes, have formed a strong bond with the Irishman - no doubt helped by the fact they live close together in London.

They often spend time at each other's flats and speaking to the Mirror, Marvin Humes said that the One Direction man is excellent company for their new child Alaia-Mai. He said:

"Niall is great with Alaia. He’ll be round at the weekend for a roast dinner. We’re like his big brother and sister with his family mostly in Ireland."

Humes added: “He’s a great guy and I bonded with him from the start when he was on X Factor. He came to ask me for advice at the beginning and it’s amazing to see One Direction go on to do incredible things. You forget how young they are with the massive success and exposure they’ve had. If he can draw from mine and Rochelle’s experience that’s great."

Speaking meanwhile about a gift Horan gave to Alaia-Mai, the JLS man said:

"He bought her a pink car doorway baby bouncer. You can plug it into an iPhone and it plays music. So she’s got her own car with sounds. She loves it."