X Factor’s Marcus Collins has won the heart of fellow Liverpudlians and was named the city’s favourite Scouser in the live finals, after JMU Journalism sent out a team of reporters to ask for their preferred singer.

 

Although voting was close, our exclusive poll on the streets of Liverpool resulted in Marcus scooping 95 votes (51%), compared to 82 nominations (44%) for fellow contestant and Scouser, Craig Colton.

 

Although both of them are still strong contenders in

the X Factor competition, it appears that Marcus just about

has the edge in the popularity stakes in their hometown.

 

Christine Jones, 52, from Liverpool said: “I want Marcus

to win. I think he’s got everything, lovely voice, really nice

personality, and he’s got the looks.”

 

Both Liverpool lads, who are mentored by Take That's

Gary Barlow, have survived three public votes so far, with

faultless on-stage performances in the ITV contest.

 

Before this weekend's Halloween special, Katrina Barkes

from Liverpool told us: “Marcus is my favourite, he seems

happy and friendly and he’s a good singer. He seems

like a good representation of Scousers.”

 

Another said: “I like Marcus. He’s got soul and a good

voice, character and I think he’s good looking too. I think

you should give your city some support. I should support

Craig as I’m from Kirkby, but he’s my second favourite.”

 

For Halloween, the X Factor studio became a haunted

extravaganza, as Craig wowed audiences and the judges

again with his version of the Adele song 'Set Fire to the

Rain', while Marcus performed a mash-up of Stevie

Wonder’s 'Superstition' and the INXS classic 'Need You

Tonight'. Both performances proved good enough to keep

them in the finals.

 

Ahead of the TV vote, in our poll Marcus’ lively personality proved to be a hit within the city with many people citing his “good looks”, “bubbly nature and “cheeky smile” among the reasons why they most wanted him to win.

 

Though many X Factor fans we spoke to thought he had the better voice and a great sense of humour, Craig seemed to lose votes as some Liverpudlians said they didn’t like his “over confidence” and found his “strange mouth” when he sings to be off-putting.  

 

Is X Factor a singing or personality competition, judged on good looks over talent? That's another question entirely, but you can read the extensive opinions we gathered about Marcus and Craig by scrolling down through the comments box below.

 

Additional reporting by: Bobbie-Leigh Gallivan-Jones;  Lisa Kerr; Harriet Midgley; Caroline Moore; Amy O'Reilly; Georgina Moore; Nathan Pearce; Gemma Brezinski; Stephen Corbett; Shannyn Quinn; Sarah Raynard; Rachael Roberts; James Routledge; Gemma Sherlock; Bethany Wells; Laura Beddows; Liberty Chrismas; Kerryleigh Gough; Aimee Hamilton; Jessica Hayes; Nadine Higham; Michael Houghton; Lisa Jones; Jessica Judge;  Damian Leonard; Jennifer Letford; Elen Crean; Grace Lindsey; Tito May; Jessica MacDonald; Ryan McElroy; Sarah Mee;  Hannah Newman-Jones; Rhiannon McKean; Alexandra Allen; Ryan Aujla; Lucy Bannister; Leanne Bates; Abigail Bramhall;  Claire Bynoe; Lauren Cordelle; Alisha Daya; Michael Deburca; Chantal Dickinson; Liam Deveney; Rona Kirwan; Sophie Fairclough; Hugh Currell; Erin McLoughlin.