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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Daniel Bird

The X Factor winner Joe McElderry looks very different 14 years after fame on ITV show

Singer Joe McElderry won the hearts of the nation with his innocent looks back in 2009 but he looks extremely different nowadays.

The singer and theatre star first graced screens in 2007 but pulled out of The X Factor after fearing he was too young but he returned two years later.

Having impressed the judges, Cheryl Tweedy (then Cole), Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh, he sailed through the competition before making it to the final.

Joe, now 31, became close to Cheryl and went on to win the competition with his cover of Miley Cyrus's The Climb – bagging a £1million recording contract and £150k up front.

Singer Joe McElderry proudly showcased his sculpted figure while in Barbados (CHRISBRANDIS.COM / BACKGRID)
Joe was making the most of the exotic temperatures (CHRISBRANDIS.COM / BACKGRID)

Nowadays, South Sheilds-born Joe can often be found in the theatre, having recently starred in Cinderella and Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat, with his last album released in 2016.

Joe has also been hitting the gym and showcased his results while stripping off during a lavish holiday in Barbados.

The Ambitions singer oozed confidence as he paraded across the Caribbean beaches while rocking a pair of tiny black Nike swimming shorts.

But it appears the exotic sunshine has proven to be too much for Joe who recently joked about being sunburnt while enjoying a drink after a dip in the crystal clear ocean.

He said: "Back in my favourite place! Barbados, yes I am sunburnt! I never learn! But the Rum Punch is helping."

The singer joked about being sunburnt while on holiday (CHRISBRANDIS.COM / BACKGRID)
The X Factor winner previously joked about his "holiday spam" on social media (CHRISBRANDIS.COM / BACKGRID)

The singer who often shares an insight into his life and career on Instagram opted to rock a pair of black sunglasses to protect his eyes from the sun while also wearing a fitness watch on his wrist.

Joe made the most of the warmer climates and enjoyed a run on the beach before throwing a t-shirt on.

But his enjoyment soon saw him come crashing back to reality after he was "wiped out by a wave" which hit the nearby rocks.

Ahead of his jog along the beach, Joe had been keeping his social media followers updated as he sipped on champagne while flying over to Barbados.

However, he recently apologised to his Instagram followers for his "holiday spam" after sharing a series of shirtless and clothed pictures while enjoying himself.

He said: "Soz for the holiday spam!" but his fans were quick to defend him, with one writing: "Don't be daft! I love seeing my baby bear doing ok and having a wonderful time!"

"Please continue enjoying this so thanks very much it's absolutely wonderful to see you enjoying your holiday," commented a second.

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