HE’S had four top twenty albums and sold more than two million records but Joe McElderry still has one burning ambition.

Despite his sell-out tours and star roles in musicals such as Tommy, the former X-Factor winner is determined to tick one thing of his wish list.

“In all the yearsI have been coming to Weston, I haven’t been able to have a walk around the town, but this month I hope to put that right,” he smiles.

“When I do a tour or a show, I tend to be driven into the theatre and back out again at the end. I don’t get the chance to see a lot of the place where I’m appearing. I’m delighted to be back in Somerset and want to take time out to see a bit of Weston and relax a bit.”

In the latest phase of a career which has seen him do everything from playing in panto to singing with the legendary Dionne Warwick, Joe has a week-long run at The Playhouse.

This time, Joe plays Joseph in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

“I love coming back to Somerset,” he adds.

“When I look out from the stage, I recognise many people and its great to have a chat and a wave. People here are so friendly and always make me feel welcome.”

He adds: “One time, I had a cider party after a show. I promise I only had one bottle but it was really strong stuff and it knocked me out.

“I might have another party after Joseph but I’ll be careful this time.” 

After winning the X-Factor in 2009, Joe was unceremoniously beaten to the Christmas number one spot by 90’s American rockers Rage Against the Machine with Killing In The Name – their protest song against the TV talent factory. 

Undeterred, Joe went on to release four albums – all of which reached the top 20, with two reaching the top three. The ever-smiling Geordie has also sold more than two million records around the world. 

Since then he has starred in west end musicals, wowed fans in America and won ITV’s Popstar to Operastar.

“I tend to know what I’ll be doing and where I’ll be a year in advance, but I still like to be fluid when it comes to my career,” he explains.

“I’ve been able to do lots of different things and am always open to new ideas. I like projects that take me out of my comfort zone.”

His latest tour has seen him travelling across the UK with Joseph which first hit the west end back in the 70s.

Based on the Biblical story, the show features songs such as Jacob and Sons, Close Every Door and, of course, Any Dream Will Do.

“I grew up singing those songs in my bedroom so to now be doing it on stage in front of an audience is amazing.

“The songs are so well known the audience sings along. The whole show is a pleasure to do.”

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Joe was just 18 when won the sixth series of The X Factor after being mentored by Girls Aloud star Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and beating off fierce competition from Olly Murs and Stacey Solomon. 

He soared to number one on the UK singles charts with his rendition of Miley Cyrus’s The Climb and his debut album Wide Awake went straight in at number three on the albums chart.

He has since had two more top-ten albums, and he became the first X Factor star to release four albums, with a fifth in the making.

Somerset County Gazette:

Joe McElderry was just 18 when he won the X Factor talent show

Often described as ‘one of the nicest guys’ in the music industry, Joe also works hard at raising money for charity. 

Denise Welch and Tim Healy presented Joe with a Silver Heart Award on behalf of Variety, The Children’s Charity, for his continued charity work.

He has also recorded the charity single One World One Song with the legendary Dionne Warwick in aid of The Hunger Project UK, and a moving version of Abide With Me with the Royal Mail Choir, in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

As a regional ambassador for the Teenage Cancer Trust, he completed the challenging 140-mile 3- day bike ride “Coast to Coast” with friends and family, raising more than £11,000 for the charity.

It’s little wonder that the X Factor golden boy with the 24-carat voice and the diamond personality is one of the most loved young singers in the country with a mass appeal many other artists can only dream of.