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TOWIE’s Gemma Collins has said she wants mentor X Factor star – and pal – Rylan Clark.


Writing in her column for new! magazine, Gemma defended the Essex performer from his critics.

“Everyone’s been laying into X Factor star Rylan Clark for his over the top performances and emotional meltdowns, but I just want to say that he’s a dear friend of mine and I absolutely love him,” Gemma wrote.

She continued: “His mum Linda lives near me in Essex and I’ve known Rylan since he was four – he had red hair back then, I swear!

“Rylan’s a sensitive soul and people who have send him death threats should be ashmaned of themselves. ”

Gemma added: “I want to mentor him.”

But Gemma has competition from fellow Rylan’s fellow celebrity pal Katie Price.

34-year-old Katie, also known as Jordan, has been close pals with Rylan since the show started.

The Essex performer had previously appeared on her Sky1 modeling reality show, finishing as runner up.

A source claimed: “Jordan’s often in contact with Rylan over the phone and has been telling friends that she’s his new mentor.

“She’s slammed into Nicole, saying she’s been having too much fun and London and should have been spending more time with her her acts.”

i would like to see that