X Factor act Joe Cox has claimed that Gary Barlow is both "inspiring" and "brutal" as a mentor.
Cox has reached the Final 32 Judges' Houses stage of the competition and viewers will find out on Sunday whether he has made it to the Top 16 and Live Shows.
Barlow and his co-mentor Robbie Williams will have the final say on whether Cox makes the cut.
Speaking to Digital Spy about what it was like to work with Take That star Barlow in the latter stages of the competition, Cox was full of praise for the 'Greatest Day' songwriter.
"The moment Gary walked into that room and we found out he was our mentor was incredible," said Cox. "I'll remember that for the rest of my life.
"The career and life he's had has been inspiring. It's not always been good, he's had his knock-backs and he's got all that experience. The Boys' category has been privileged to have him around and to have him with everything musically that he brings."
Cox continued: "You can go up to Gary and he'll listen straight away. There is no sort of celebrity or judge barrier. Nothing like that. He's a down-to-earth bloke and he'll talk to you, without sugar coating.
"He is brutal, but he will give you what you need."
> 'X Factor' Judges Houses: The Boys - Who should make the Live Shows?
Click along Digital Spy's gallery below for pictures of all 32 remaining acts, who will be fighting it out at Judges' Houses.
