[Smithy]

Former X Factor finalist Marcus Collins has confirmed the release date of his debut album.

The singer, who came second in last year's competition behind winners Little Mix, published a link on Twitter to a pre-order page for his as-yet untitled release.

"I'm delighted to announce you can now pre order my debut album out 12th March. Thankyou so much for all the support, (sic)" Collins said.

He added: "BEEN WORKING NONE STOP !!! I HAD TO MAKE SURE IT WAS RIGHT !! I HOPE U GUYS LOVE IT! I DO! X. "OK!! BK TO WORK!! SEE U SOON! X."

Last week on Lorraine, Collins teased details of the release and said: "I've found my niche now, I've found exactly what it is that I want to do and it's looking good."

Collins's former X Factor mentor Gary Barlow has reportedly been involved in the writing of the album.

That was fast

Im glad to see that SOMEONE has finally had the balls to release an album prior to the following years launch, but 12 weeks to write and record an album?