Why we think Marcus Collins should be the X Factor 2011 winner

By the time we're all back at our desks next week we'll know the most popular 'X Factor' act, not the winner, just the most popular because the truth is that they're all going to win. Little Mix, Amelia Lily, Marcus Collins, Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Contostavlos, the producers, the guest acts, Betty the tea lady. All winners.

That's the reality we fans tend to ignore. In the heat of the 'X Factor' moment we treat it like a deadly serious talent show and if who we want to win doesn't, then you better believe Twitter will hear about it!

At its core 'X Factor' is a talent show, but on top of that they're looking for someone marketable and with the star quality that the title refers to. Each of the finalists has these qualities in some way or another, but who should be the winner?

[See also: X Factor 2011 highlights]

Amelia, having been brought back from the dead (or z-list obscurity which is the same thing), has done well over the weeks but has never really grabbed the audience in the same way that the likes of Leona Lewis did.

In fact she is typical of the whole series. She's got the voice to impress and a hint of the kind of attitude and personality that the show craves but in the end she just draws apathy from her audience. The series as a whole came bursting in with promise and three new judges to shout about but it all eventually faded.

When looking for popstars you want to be able to create a brand around them. Little Mix can definitely be turned into a successful girl band brand, even if they're essentially One Direction minus the Y chromosomes.

[See also: Coronation Street musical to premiere next year]

They also seem to be nice girls, which helps. Over the years there's usually been one particularly hateable contestant each year, and they never win. Think of Frankie this year or Olly Murs two years ago. Each was never as likeable as the contestants around them. So instead, for better or worse, we've had nice winners like Joe McElderry, Alexandra Burke and Matt Cardle.

Also fulfilling the niceness quota is Marcus, this year's most talented contestant by a long shot. The trouble with Marcus is, just what is the best way for him to use his talents? He could certainly release a single, but a whole album? He's a risk for the show's producers because he could quite easily go and do musicals, which seem to be a perfect match for him.

Regardless, Marcus is the most talented and he should win for that reason alone. It's a talent show, he's the most talented. Simple. And yet it's never as simple as that, so prepare for FOUR HOURS of bright lights, dramatic music, forced drama and enough pop music to make Gaga take up metal.

Who do you want to win?

Plus, take a look at our video below where we take a fun look back at 'X Factor' 2011