Former X Factor sensation Joe McElderry has left fans gobsmacked with his dramatic transformation. The 2009 champion, who shot to fame at just 18, beating the likes of Stacey Solomon, Olly Murs, Rachel Adedeji, and Jedward, is now 33 and taking centre stage in theatre. This week saw 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 who remember him from his X Factor stint.
He even bared his chest during an intense scene, highlighting both his physical changes and his shift in career path. Joe’s debut single, The Climb, topped both the UK and Irish charts following his triumphant run on the talent show. Hailing from South Shields, Joe outperformed runner-up Olly Murs to clinch the sixth series of the ITV programme. He also found himself in a chart battle for the coveted Christmas number one spot against Rage Against the Machine, reports the Mirror.
However, the rap metal band’s 1992 hit Killing In The Name Of clinched the title after a mass download campaign by music enthusiasts protesting the show.
Despite the initial setback, Joe’s career soared to great heights. His rendition of Biffy Clyro’s popular track eventually topped the charts, and he became the first X Factor contestant to release a fourth album.
Five of his albums have made it into the UK top 20, with two even reaching the top three.
Following his successful stint in music, Joe ventured into theatre. He’s graced the stage in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cinderella, and will be seen in a pantomime adaptation of Pinocchio in 2023 and 2024.
In this production at the Royal Theatre Newcastle, he’ll be playing the character of Jiminy Cricket.
The X Factor last broadcasted in 2018 before taking a break. Meanwhile, Simon Cowell, the show’s producer, is currently busy with the sixteenth series of BGT.
Reports suggest that he’s contracted to serve as the head judge on the show until 2025. Rumours are also swirling about a potential move to Channel 5 for other projects, hinting at the possibility of new shows or even a revival of the X Factor.
A source has revealed to The Sun that Simon Cowell’s potential switch to Channel 5 would be a “huge move” for the TV mogul, who has become a household name through 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.”
