Robert is a 27-year old hospital worker from Essex. With one brother and one sister, Robert lives with his fiancée, Samia. Robert has had previous musical experience being in bands like Citizen K and a gospel group, The Continentals. He fluently plays clarinet and has acting skills under his belt.

Q&As
What would winning the X Factor mean to you?
“I don’t think I could put it into words! It would mean everything - it could mean I could become a successful singer and it would be great because I will have achieved my goals and dreams. But the first thing I’d buy is a house for my girlfriend and new baby when it’s born.”

Do you have a musical family?
“No, although my Aunt and Uncle sing in church. Music and drama were among my favourite subjects at school and I went to Performing Arts College and did a BTEC and HND in Performing Arts so working in the industry has always been an aim of mine.”

What was your worst/best job?
“I have had lots and lots of jobs – I’ve done everything but probably the worst was being a postman. I only lasted a day! My better jobs were home care for the elderly and working at Homerton Hospital because it involved helping other people.”

Do you play any musical instruments?
“I play the clarinet to Grade Four level. I also play a bit of piano, and flute which I taught myself. Away from music, I play basketball to keep fit. And at weekends I like to just chill out – watch movies, see family and friends and generally take it easy.”

What are your musical influences?
“I love Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin. Although I do have eclectic musical tastes ranging from soul, rock and pop. Luther Vandross is a musical legend. Mary J Blige is one of my favourite artists and her single ‘No More Drama’ is one of my favourite singles. I’d love to perform with her one day.”

What are you most looking forward to about moving to London for the live shows?
“Choosing my songs, starting rehearsing and working with the vocal coaches and just being able to focus purely on the music – getting in the zone! I’m obviously going to miss my girlfriend, especially as she’s pregnant. And it’ll be hard not seeing my friends and family regularly, but I hope I’ll get the chance to at the shows. They’re all ecstatic and over the moon because we’ve had a difficult time over the last year so this is a bit of good news for us!”