'X Factor' Duane 'advised by Burke'

X Factor hopeful Duane Lamonte has been receiving advice from last year's winner Alexandra Burke, according to a report.

Viewers saw the youth worker securing a place in the final 24 in the boot camp episodes at the weekend. The next instalments will see him attempting to impress mentor Cheryl Cole at the judges' houses stage.

A source told The Sun: "Alex has been telling Duane just to relax and love every minute. She also said be yourself and don't be a fake because they will spot that."

Lamonte previously took part in last year's series but failed to make it past boot camp.

As well as having contact with 'Bad Boys' singer Burke, the 23-year-old is known to be a childhood friend of 2006 champ Leona Lewis.