X Factor finalist Marcus Collins will headline special New Year’s Eve celebrations at gay venue the Nightingale Club – days after it was saved from extinction.

The club collapsed into administration in November, but has been bought by Lawrence Barton, director of Birmingham Pride.

The X Factor star will be the main event to showcase the club's new era.

Mr Barton, who already runs the successful Loft Lounge, Penthouse and Village Inn venues in Birmingham's Southside is set to invest more than £1 million into the nightspot over the next few years.

David Nash, group operations manager for the Nightingale, said: ‘”We are absolutely delighted to have secured Marcus to headline our New Year’s Eve celebration next Saturday.

"He’s full of charisma and an amazing performer. I think he’ll be a big hit.”

The Nightingale was sold to last week for an undisclosed sum, by administrator Zolfo Cooper, which was appointed in November when club went into administration.

The buy-out by the Birmingham-born businessman secured 50 jobs at The Nightingale, a popular city centre venue, which dates back more than 40 years and has attracted stars such as Graham Norton, Alan Carr and Sir Ian McKellen.

The Kent Street club in the heart of Birmingham’s gay village first opened in 1969 and has built up a loyal following among the gay community.