'I lost TWO STONE to compete in X Factor,' admits Joe McElderry as picture reveals he was a tubby teen

He's a slimline hunk who has amassed an army of admirers since claiming victory in the X Factor finals.
But teen hunk Joe McElderry was once a slightly chubbier teenager who spent his days sitting in front of a computer and eating.
Pictured below in 2008 at a wedding, the 18-year-old singer looks barely recognisable from the flawless pin-up who graced our screens in last year's competition.

Weight loss: Joe McElderry says he was a chubby teen who lost two stone just a year before he sang his way to victory in the X Factor final

The X Factor winner revealed that he lost a staggering two stone just a year before winning the ITV1 talent show.

 

Joe spoke to Heat magazine about his dramatic weight loss, explaining that he managed to shed the pounds by going on a self-imposed diet and exercise regime.
He said: 'Instead of having chips, I would have a sandwich or a salad. I was a really active child, skinny as a rake.

Hunk: The singer now has a large following and says the only thing he would change about himself would be his teeth

'And then, when I became a teenager, I just kind of would sit in front of the computer and eat... Then I realised I needed to do something about it. I started running. I love it! I'd run by the beach at home.'
Now set for a succesful singing career, with a £1million record contract and a move to LA to record his debut album, Joe says he would like to improve his looks with a brace, but wouldn't go as far as cosmetic surgery.
He admitted: 'I don't think I'd have a full facelift..but, er...it'd depend what it was! I think on my own terms I'd like to get a brace and get me teeth sorted out.'
And he says doting mentor Cheryl Cole has offered him a listening ear if he should ever have a 'wobble'.
He told the magazine: 'Cheryl texts me all the time. She's been texting us to say, "Just enjoy it all," and she said, "If you ever have a moment where you have a bit of a wobble and think 'Oh God, what's going on?' just give me a ring."
'I feel like if I was having a crisis or something, I could phone Cheryl.'
The teenager's debut single The Climb was knocked off the number one spot in the singles charts by Lady GaGa's new release Bad Romance this weekend.