FOR Joe McElderry, the winner of the X Factor in 2009, music was for him ‘an escape.’

It gave him a chance to become an exaggerated version of himself on stage and he absolutely loves every moment.

He will be loving every moment as he is embarking on a nationwide tour which will bring him to the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil on Friday, May 25.

Reflecting on the role music has helped shape him, Joe said: “Growing up in the house my parents played a lot of music and I listen to Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson.

"Music has always been important to me and I realised how important when I was 14-years-old and I wanted to make it into a career.

"Music doesn’t define me as a person.

“I am in my element on stage and the person I am on stage is an exaggeration of my real self.

“The things I do on stage is an exaggeration of me.”

Nine years ago, Joe took a massive step forward in his career when he won the X Factor in 2009.

It is not a show for the faint hearted and if you win your life changes in ways you would never have expected.

Joe said: “It is a very intense process (X Factor) and you for me it was life changing.

"It all happend in the space of six months

"It was a dramatic change for me as I went from a students to winning X Factor.

"It was intense. I never wanted to be famous.

"I love being a performer and fame is a by product of it all and it does take a huge adjustment.

“What I do then become normal and my life did become a bit crazy.

“I don’t mind when people want to come over and have a chat. I take it as a compliment and take the time to have a chat with them.

"Since winning X Factor I have grown up so much.

"I know I am resilient and I try not to take no for an answer. I learnt I am very appreciative of the opportunities I have been handed."

Tickets cost: VIP: £61 (includes meet & greet); full: £26; Concs: £23 and Under 16s: £16.

Buy online at octagon-theatre.co.uk or call 01935 422884