WHILE it looks fun on stage, panto can be bit of a slog for performers facing the physical challenge of two shows a day, over a two-month run.

But Joe McElderry, who plays the Spirit of the Mirror in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is refreshingly philosophical about it. “We stand on stage for two hours – it’s not a 15-hour shift in a factory,” he says. “Yes, it’s hard work but it’s great fun. The Alhambra is a beautiful venue and Billy is a big part of the panto, you can feel the love for him. People who first came to see him when they were young are now bringing their own children along.”

Joe first met Billy when he performed at the Alhambra’s gala centenary show last September. “He’s a lovely guy, he helps to keep the panto fresh for everyone. No scene is the same,” smiles Joe.

Still only 24, Joe has come a long way since winning X Factor in 2009. He was the shy lad from South Shields who became the golden boy with the 24-carat voice. Mentored by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, he impressed the late Whitney Houston, who appeared as a guest mentor, and sang a duet with George Michael. Joe soon gained a wide fanbase and his career took a new direction when he went on to win TV’s Popstar to Operastar, with a whopping 80 per cent of the public vote. Fourth album Here’s What I Believe showcased both his songwriting and operatic skills.

Last year he won Channel 4’s winter sports show, The Jump. Pop, opera, and ski-jumping – is there nothing he can’t turn his hand to?

“A lot has happened over the past five years, that’s for sure,” laughs Joe. “I was 18 when I auditioned for X Factor and sometimes it feels a long time ago, but none of anything that’s happened to me since would’ve happened without it. It gets a lot of stick but it’s a great platform. I was just a lad from a small town, it opened a lot of doors for me.

“Opera opened up a new world too. I thought opera was too posh for me, but I loved it,” he adds. “I’m back on the road this year and the classical side is part of what I’ll be doing.”

As a regional ambassador for the Teenage Cancer Trust, Joe completed a 140-mile three-day coast-to-coast bike ride last summer, raising more than £11,000 for the charity. He recorded the charity single One World One Song with veteran singer Dionne Warwick in aid of The Hunger Project UK, and a moving version of Abide With Me with the Royal Mail Choir, in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

This year looks set to be another busy one, with a new album and tour planned. “I’m enjoying songwriting, it’s something I really want to develop, and it’ll be good to get out on tour again and meet the fans,” says Joe. “I’d like to do something that takes me out of my comfort zone, something a bit unexpected.”

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs at the Alhambra until Sunday, January 25. For tickets ring (01274) 432000.