A former X Factor winner from the North East is 'unrecognisable' in pictures of their Halloween costume according to fans.

Joe McElderry, 33, from South Shields, rose to fame after winning the sixth series of the TV singing contest under the guidance of mentor and fellow North Easterner, Cheryl Cole. 

But McElderry, whose first single lost out on Christmas number one, has dazzled fans as he took to social media to share his Halloween costume for 2024.

In a post on Instagram, the 'The Climb' singer shared his spooky costume, homage to the popular musical 'Wicked'. 

The South Shields singer turned green for the look, emulating the show's main character Elphaba who is about to hit the big screen in a movie adaptation. He also donned a black witch's hat and cape to complete the Halloween costume.

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Fans flocked to the comments to let him know what they thought of the costume.

One fan said, "Babe, I'm howling you look phenomenal."

While another said, "Oh wow, I wouldn't recognise you!"

Other fans noticed the theme of the outfit, with several making some pun-laden responses including one Instagram user who said: "I knew you would look Wicked."

More compliments included "fabulous", "gorgeous", "awesome", and "brilliant" as the singer's supporters shared their thoughts in the comments section of his post.

McElderry has musical theatre experience himself, after a stint on the tour of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in 2015 where he played the titular biblical crooner.

He has also appeared in panto in recent years, with a role in Newcastle's Theatre Royal panto Pinocchio in the last year.