Joe McElderry brings X Factor back to the North

Mar 11 2010 The Journal

The X Factor rolled into the North East last night – led by the local boy made good. Sam Wonfor was there

Jedward – the crazy-quiffed Irish twins John and Edward, together with perhaps Olly – proved to be the embodiment of the sentiment which ventures that it’s not necessarily the winning, but the taking part that counts.

A collaborative crack at Ghostbusters was particularly fun.

But... there’s no doubt that Joe was a worthy winner. He was clearly the hardest-working, clean-nosed and able singer in the competition.

Pl0us, he was the canniest of lads and had a pocket-sized national treasure – in the form of our lass Cheryl Cole – as his mentor. It was an unstoppable combination and the screams, flashing headgear and general hysterics at last night’s show did the 18-year-old proud.

Joe may not have got Christmas number one… but the wide (and very white) smile which doubtless tipped the balance when it came to the voting choices of teenyboppers and great grandmothers alike, was clear evidence that any festive disappointment was but a snow-dusted memory away.

For a video of fans from last night and a gallery of pictures from the show, go to www.journallive.co.uk