X Factors Joe McElderry stuns fans with dramatic | UK News

Former X Factor sensation Joe McElderry has left fans gobsmacked with his dramatic transformation. The 2009 champion, who shot to fame at simply 18, beating the likes of Stacey Solomon, Olly Murs, Rachel Adedeji, and Jedward, is now 33 and taking centre stage in theatre. This week noticed him donning the Pharaoh’s garb in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Manchester’s Opera House. Sporting a gladiator-esque outfit, Joe was barely recognisable to those that bear in mind him from his X Factor stint.

He even bared his chest during an intense scene, highlighting each his bodily modifications and his shift in profession path. Joe’s debut single, The Climb, topped each the UK and Irish charts following his triumphant run on the expertise show. Hailing from South Shields, Joe outperformed runner-up Olly Murs to clinch the sixth sequence of the ITV programme. He additionally discovered himself in a chart battle for the coveted Christmas primary spot towards Rage Against the Machine, stories the Mirror.

However, the rap steel band’s 1992 hit Killing In The Name Of clinched the title after a mass obtain marketing campaign by music fans protesting the show.

Despite the initial setback, Joe’s profession soared to great heights. His rendition of Biffy Clyro’s common monitor ultimately topped the charts, and he grew to become the primary X Factor contestant to release a fourth album.

Five of his albums have made it into the UK high 20, with two even reaching the highest three.

Following his profitable stint in music, Joe ventured into theatre. He’s graced the stage in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cinderella, and can be seen in a pantomime adaptation of Pinocchio in 2023 and 2024.

In this manufacturing on the Royal Theatre Newcastle, he’ll be taking part in the character of Jiminy Cricket.

The X Factor final broadcasted in 2018 earlier than taking a break. Meanwhile, Simon Cowell, the show’s producer, is at present busy with the sixteenth sequence of BGT.

Reports recommend that he is contracted to function the pinnacle decide on the show till 2025. Rumours are additionally swirling about a potential transfer to Channel 5 for different tasks, hinting on the risk of new exhibits and even a revival of the X Factor.

A source has revealed to The Sun that Simon Cowell’s potential change to Channel 5 can be a “huge move” for the TV mogul, who has change into a family title by way of ITV hits like X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent (BGT).

The insider added: “It would effectively see him turn his back on ITV after two decades which has seen him deliver them two of their biggest hits.

There’s a strong sense that one chapter is ending and another beginning and Channel 5 are keen to be a part of that. But they’d need to nail down a seven-figure contract to seal the deal to bring him across.”