An X factor star who won the show as a teenager looked unrecognisable as he took the stage in his new theatre performance this week.  

Joe McElderry, 33, won the singing show aged just 18 in 2009 – beating off stiff compeтιтion from the likes of Stacey Solomon, Olly Murs, Rachel Adedeji and Jedward.

And over 15 years after his triumph, Joe looked unrecognisable as he took to the stage to star as Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. 

Dancing and singing across the stage at Manchester’s Opera House, Joe put on an energetic performance as he showcased his muscly physique as he went shirtless while wearing a silver gladiator costume. 

The production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s show kicked off their tour before Christmas and started in Edinburgh.   

It comes after Joe revealed he trained with former Miss Universe finalist Caroline Dixon and followed a strict diet to get in shape for the role.

Joe McElderry, 33, who won the show as a teenager, now looks unrecognisable in a theatre performance following a huge career move

The performer won the singing show aged just 18 in 2009 – beating off stiff compeтιтion from the likes of Stacey Solomon , Olly Murs , Rachel Adedeji and Jedward (pictured) 

Previously speaking in an interview with Fabulous magazine, he said: ‘Most of the stuff we do is killer, but in a weird way I really enjoy it.’

He added: ‘I’m a really active person and I’ve done lots of charity bike rides.’

The star showed off his incredible body transformation on Instagram at the end of 2024 as he proudly displayed his toned physique as he donned nothing but a pair of grey workout shorts and chunky black trainers. 

He captioned the snap with: ‘2025 the year of the workout’ alongside several emojis. 

The singer has worked hard to lose weight after he sported a fuller frame during an appearance on ITV daytime show, Lorraine, in 2015.

Joe starred on X Factor when he was just 18 years old back in 2009, beating Stacey and Olly to the crown.

But more recently he has embarked on a huge career move and is starring on the podcast, That’s Ridiculous alongside his grandma Hilda.

Joe also reminisced about his time on the show which catapulted him to fame. 

And over 15 years after his triumph, Joe looked unrecognisable in his theatre performance for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Dancing and singing across the stage at Manchester’s Opera House, Joe can be seen topless while wearing a silver gladiator costume

The star showed off his incredible body transformation on Instagram at the end of 2024 as he proudly displayed his toned physique 

But more recently he has embarked on a huge career move and is starring on the podcast, That’s Ridiculous alongside his grandma Hilda 

He said: ‘Every time I see that clip, I feel so old, I look so young on there!’, he said.

Joe’s debut single – a cover of Miley Cyrus’ The Climb – rose to number one in the UK charts immediately after his X Factor triumph.

The talent show star boasts a discography of five albums, which all made the top 20.