X Factor star Joe McElderry reveals homesickness

Oct 17 2010 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

HE may be a famous pop star living it up in London but Joe McElderry has admitted he's homesick for the North.

The singer has set up home in the capital since winning the last series of The X Factor, using the city as a base as he works on his eagerly-anticipated first album.

But the 19-year-old – vying for number one with his single Ambitions today – says he could never permanently swap London for his hometown of South Shields, South Tyneside.

“I get homesick all the time,” he admitted.

“I’m all about the North and I’m not feeling London … I couldn’t imagine living here for the rest of my life, I will always go back North.

“I try to get home as much as possible and make the most of my time there.

“It’s my friends and family that draw me back.”

In little over a year the former Newcastle College student has gone from total obscurity to stardom, with fans – of all ages – regularly mobbing him in public.

Last week Joe, who came out in July, signed copies of his single at London’s famous G.A.Y. nightclub – but he was cornered by an adoring pensioner on his way in the high profile venue.

He said: “Sometimes I can go all day without being recognised, but other days I’ll get stopped every five minutes by someone.

“When I come back home it’s all right though. Everyone is respectful of my privacy and they let me do my own thing.”

Since revealing his sexuality in July, Joe says very little has changed in terms of the way people treat him.

He said: “I didn’t confide in anyone on the X Factor. I didn’t really speak like that to any of the other contestants. You were just kind of looking after yourself and getting on with the competition.

“But it’s been totally fine. It’s been great.”