X Factor's Joe steps in to headline spectacular

Organisers of TFM’s Spooky Spectacular which is set to take place tonight from 5pm in Darlington’s South Park were thrown into a panic yesterday morning when boyband Blue announced that they would be cancelling their gig.

The booking agents got straight on the phone and managed to snag North-East pop star Joe McElderry, who was already performing in the region this weekend.

Tim Monckton, for TFM, said: “It was such a blow when Blue cancelled. They haven’t given us any reason for it and it really is disappointing.

“Fortunately, we knew Joe was in the region performing a gig for our sister station, Magic. When we asked him to play in Darlington he jumped at the chance.”

He added: “We have no idea why Blue have cancelled, they gave us absolutely no explanation whatsoever, but we managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat landing Joe.

“We have been promoting this event for the past six weeks and have invested a lot of time and money into it.

“Now, we only want to focus on the positive. We have got some fantastic talent on offer at the event and it still promises to be a great night.”

X Factor finalist Amelia Lily Oliver, from Middlesbrough, will open the event in her first North-East performance since leaving the show.

The crowd will also be treated to a performance by MOBO award winner Tinchy Stryder.

Blue were unavailable for comment last night, but an announcement on a fan site for Lee Ryan said: “If you haven’t already heard, the Darlington Spooky Spectacular Gig has been cancelled. I would like to stress the fact that this has nothing to do with the guys, but in fact Darlington itself.

“They were really looking forward to taking part and seeing all their fans and do give their deepest apologies.”

Tickets for the event are still available. They cost £8 for adults and £6 for children aged three to 15. Golden circle tickets are £17 and £15 respectively.

They can be bought at the door or by calling 01325-486555.