Marcus Collins has admitted to fearing that he was "out of his depth" as he recorded his debut album.

The former X Factor contestant's album is due out next week (March 12), with the first single - a cover of the White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' - already released.

However, in a special diary in the Daily Star, Collins admitted that stepping into the recording studio to work on his album was "intimidating". He said:

"The first day in the studio was a bit intimidating. There were plaques all around the room from such artists as Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Cher...which made me wonder: 'Am I out of my depth?'
Then I met the songwriters and producers and we all gelled and had a laugh."

Collins took time to praise his X Factor mentor Gary Barlow, adding that the pair are "always having a laugh" and that he reckons the Take That star will return to the TV talent show this year. He said:

"Gary is the fountain of all knowledge when it comes to stories of the music industry. We're always having a laugh. He winds me up by getting me to sing when the mic is off so I get him back by pretending to pour cups of tea on him. Gary is a great role model, family man and amazing musician – and I think he’ll do X Factor again."