Joe McElderry’s Interview With Top Of The Pops Magazine

You’re already really famous Joe, but what were you doing before you became a star on The X Factor?

I was at college studying for a National Diploma in Performing Arts in Newcastle. I’d just finished my first year when i went to the auditions. I was doing a bit of singing on the course… but not as much as I’m doing now!

How amazing did it feel when Dermot finally said you’d won?

Well judging by my face and the way I leapt back by about 20 feet, I think everyone could see how shocked I was.

Do you think Cheryl was as suprised as you?

I think so. I didn’t know weather I’d heard my name or not, and Cheryl kind of pushed me away to scream and then I obviously clicked that Dermot had said my name, so I was like, ‘Aaarrrgh!’

You’re the most wanted man in the UK now – how does that make you feel?

Am I? It makes me feel quite flattered. Just a few months ago I was a lad from South Shields who only my friends and family knew. Now I get recognised everywhere I go.

You seemed fearless on the show, but you must be scared of something?

I’m petrified of rats. That’s a fear. If I see a rat, anywhere, I literally freeze. They make me cringe. I get a shiver through my body when I see one. I can’t even look at them on telly – they make me feel sick!

Do you ever worry about your career or letting Cheryl down?

I think Cheryl’s quite proud of what I’ve achieved so far. With this kind of job, just because you’ve got a record deal, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re gonna be successful. You’re just got to hope people buy your album.

Isn’t that scary though?

No, there’s nothing to be scared about. I’ve just got to work hard and that’s all I can do!

Joe, what we all really want to know is… what kind of girl do you go for?

For me, girls have got to be easy – going and have a good sense of humour. I’d like a girl who really likes to just have fun.

And when it comes to looks?

I like dark – haired, curvy girls. A bit like Cheryl, ha – ha. Or Beyonce. I like Beyonce.

So Cheryl’s really you ideal girl?

Yeah, and she’s been absolutely amazing. The day after I won, she was texting us all day asking us how it was going.

Ahh, Sweet! Do you think you’ll be friends for life?

I hope so. I do believe we’ve become friends and that she really wants to keep in touch. I might even record a duet with Cheryl for my album and that would be amazing – she’s an inspiration! Once I got to know her, she wasn’t like the image you see on telly. She’s very down to earth and we have got a lot in common.

You’ve lived all your life in the North East, so how do you feel about moving away?

I don’t know yet. I think my mum will probably come with me, at least for a bit. I’m still quite young so she’ll either move with me or pop down every other weekend or something. I’ll not be too far away from her.

So she’ll still be doing your cooking and cleaning?

I hope so!

Do you worry it might get lonely at the top?

Not really, because I’m gonna surround myself with me friends and family, so if that ever did happen, I’d make sure they were all around.

But what about when you’re away travelling the world in lonely hotel rooms?

I’ll make sure they’re with me. They’re coming with me!

How does it feel being mobbed by the fans?

It’s quite strange and a bit overwhelming, but when you realise that they’re your supporters, you’re a bit like ‘wow, these people are getting really excited about seeing me!’

Are you already loving the attention?

Well, I didn’t enter the competition to be famous, I entered to be a singer. The fans are brilliant, but if all the attention stopped tomorrow, I wouldn’t be like, ‘ Oh, where are all the paparazzi?’

Are they frightening, though?

I think there more overwhelming than scary – they kind of just stand in front of you and click, click, click!

You must have got loads of fan mail, too?

Yes absolutely loads! Fans have sent me cookies, cakes, brownies and even bracelets! I’ve had to sign girls bras too … even while they’re still wearing them.

Ohh saucy! Do you think you’d ever date a fan?

It depends… you know, on what kind of fan.

Hopefully one like us, Joe!

‘Sources: Top Of The Pops Magazine’