8:13am Tuesday 15th December 2009
By Tony Kearney
TEENAGE singing sensation Joe McElderry was last night being linked with a multi million pound Hollywood deal, only hours after being crowned winner of the X Factor.
The 18-year-old, who months ago was working as a waiter in South Shields, South Tyneside, is reportedly being lined up as a new teen idol to replace High School Musical star Zac Efron.
Show producer Simon Cowell is said to be planning to fly McElderry to the US in the new year after being contacted by three US TV networks and several Hollywood studios about a deal which could net the singer £5m.
McElderry is already oddson favourite to land the Christmas Number One spot after his victory in the TV talent show was watched by a record audience of 19.1m viewers.
Asked about reports of a potential Hollywood deal, McElderry said: “I have not heard about this, but I wouldn’t turn it down if that was the case.
“I would give it a go.”
He also heaped praise on his mentor Cheryl Cole, saying: “It was really good having somebody like that to go and talk to. She was really supportive and helpful with the song choices.
“She told me to just enjoy it and don’t believe your own hype.”
Asked about his crush on the Girls Aloud star, he told reporters: “Oh, who doesn’t fancy Cheryl Cole? Come on!”
It was second time lucky for the singer who entered the X Factor on 2007, but failed to make the final stages.
“I am still pinching myself, I cannot believe it, that I am sitting here, and that I have just won X Factor.
“I think it is going to take a long time to sink in. It was just amazing, it has been the best experience of my life.
“I just feel like I am in this dream and then it keeps hitting me.”
The winner sent text messages to his closest friends at 6am yesterday thanking them for their support and promising to be in touch properly soon.
Plans are thought to be under way for a homecoming parade on an open-top bus through South Shields, possibly later this week.
Yesterday, a hand-painted notice was stuck to the top window of his mother’s flat on Coleridge Avenue read: “Thank you for your support, Joe x”.
McElderry will launch his debut CD by returning home to South Shields, to appear in the town’s HMV store tomorrow.
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