Melvin, who graduated in 2001 in Media Performance and Radio from what was then the University of Luton, is co-hosting the show – started on August 29 – with The Saturdays singer and long-term friend Rochelle Humes.

“To be working on the Xtra Factor is a dream come true for me,” said an enthusiastic Melvin.

“This is the first gig in a long time where everyone has watched it. You don’t realise how big a deal it is until you’re getting phone calls from cousins you haven’t heard from in years.

“It’s a perfect gig because you get to interact with the punters, celebrities and do sketches at the same time. It’s just a really fun show to be on.”

Since leaving the University, Melvin has hosted Kiss FM’s breakfast show, alongside long-term radio partner and fellow Bedfordshire alumnus Rickie Haywood-Williams.

Previous to that, Melvin was a regular on former cult children’s programme Dick and Dom in da Bungalow and, more recently, had a spell on BBC Three panel show Sweat the Small Stuff.

Before joining the University, Melvin, by his own admittance, had very limited knowledge or experience of broadcasting. Come graduation day, he was a changed man.

“Luton was a really great place to find myself as an individual,” he explained. “I learnt life skills there and how to be a young adult.

“Although I had a passion for radio I didn’t really have the skills to do it until I came to Luton. Being at Luton really prepared me in terms of my skill set.

“My lecturers were very big on getting me involved in things outside of the degree, like student radio. Coming to Luton really gave me that radio experience so when I worked for the BBC Radio 1Xtra as a broadcast assistant, I wasn’t scared in that environment; I was completely comfortable.”

So how does Melvin’s university experience compare to his showbiz highlights?

“I’ve done some remarkable and great things and met some great people, but I remember being so happy at university. Every single day during my first year, I felt like I was meeting someone new.

“It was a really great time for me. Without them (the University), I don’t know what I would have done.”

To read an extended interview with Melvin, contact the University of Bedfordshire Press Office at PressOffice@beds.ac.uk