Nancy Stevens interviews Joe McElderry, Martine McCutcheon and Kerry Ellis ahead of their performances at The Stables this month…
X Factor winner Joe McElderry is currently touring the UK and can’t wait for his gig at The Stables on Tuesday May 8.
But the 26-year-old Geordie is not your average Joe in the showbiz world as he had to overcome almighty stage fright to make his name in the industry.
As a youngster he was more interested in acting and drama than singing, but never wanted to be on stage.
“I was terrified,” he told me. “It was a battle, but when I was 14 I finally started to enjoy performing.”
Within four years of overcoming his fears – at the tender age of 18 – Joe won The X Factor while being mentored by fellow Geordie Cheryl Cole. But what made him decide to do The X Factor in the first place?
“I was a huge fan,” Joe explained. “I wanted to audition to see what would happen and possibly get some local gigs!”
Nine years on, he has won the Popstar to Operastar TV show, played Joseph in The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, released his fifth album, and is now embarking on his new concert tour.
His show at The Stables starts at 8pm.
Other stars at The Stables in May
Martin McCutcheon, May 2
The former Eastenders and Love Actually star brings her Up Close and Personal tour. She said: “This album was never meant for public consumption – my focus was on being a mum and this 8 year journey is what I’m most proud of.”
Kerry Ellis, May 24
Kerry is now West End royalty and she’ll be singing songs from Bond to Bacharach, but she actually got her break as an understudy to Martine McCutcheon in My Fair Lady. She said: “People pay for a name in our celeb culture and it was the beginning for me.”
These interviews with Nancy Stevens can be heard in full on www.secklow1055.org/stevens-on-sunday
