X Factor winner Joe McElderry looks unrecognisable as he shows off his shirtless physique while hitting the beach in Barbados

Daily Mail​

24-05-2025

Joe McElderry was spotted looking strikingly different to his X Factor heyday while soaking up the sun in Barbados on Friday.
The British singer, 33, shot to fame more than 15 years ago when he won the show at aged just 18 in 2009.
And nearly two decades after his triumph, Joe looked almost unrecognisable from his baby-faced younger self as he enjoyed a sunny day on the beach during his Caribbean holiday.
The singer, who now rocks a rugged look with dark stubble and slicked-back hair, went for a jog along the shoreline, showing off his tanned physique.
The star then stripped off his shirt and took a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear ocean.
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It comes after Joe took to the stage to star as Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in March.
Dancing and singing across the stage at Manchester's Opera House, he put on an energetic performance as he showcased his muscly physique in 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.
Prior to this, Joe revealed he trained with former Miss Universe finalist Caroline Dixon and followed a strict diet to get in shape for the role.
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.
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.