Talking Shop: Ben Mills

X Factor star Ben Mills is poised to release his debut album following his success on the TV talent show.

The 26-year-old musician, who finished third behind Leona Lewis and Ray Quinn, secured a five-album record deal with Sony BMG earlier this year.

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Ben Mills' debut album is a mix of original material and covers

Which aspect of being in the music business do you enjoy the most?

My dream was always to be in a decent studio with a good band, and the Olympic Studios in London were out of this world, where some of my heroes like the Rolling Stones recorded. I went to South Africa for the video shoot, and to have all these people running round just because of my song was great.

How much input have you had on your first album - was there the amount of guidance given to the X Factor winner?

I was very lucky coming in third place. I've not had the complete run to do as I please, but five of my own songs have gone on the album. There were always going to be songs from the X Factor on there, which will sell to the show's fans. There's no way I'd be doing this if I hadn't been on there.

Do you think you will eventually succeed in leaving the X Factor behind?

I've got the same management as Lemar, who is the great reality show survivor. I'm confident that my music is good enough and like to think that I'm a slow burner. People like to hear old songs performed differently on the X Factor, but if you can't do something different you're not going to last long.

If your musical wishes could be granted, what would they be?

I worked with Take That's Mark Owen - we wrote a great song which isn't on the album but will be used at some point Ben Mills

My songwriting heroes are Bob Dylan and Tom Waits and I would love to work with them. I was brought up on Dylan.

Do you think being an all-round musician will help your chances of musical longevity?

Definitely. People appreciate someone who can play an instrument. When I perform live I play guitar and piano. Even when there's a backing track I play over the top of it. There's a wild man of rock in me, more so as I get more relaxed on stage.

Have you kept in touch with your X Factor mentor Sharon Osbourne?

I haven't spoken to Sharon since the show, but plan to catch up with her soon because it would be a shame to let that friendship go to waste. I know she's a busy woman. She gave me a lot of advice, but then they all did, including Simon Cowell. Sometimes he would say one thing and Sharon would say another!

Picture of You by Ben Mills is released on 12 March. He was in conversation with BBC News entertainment reporter Michael Osborn.