WHEN it comes to winning TV shows, Joe McElderry is the man to turn to.

For the singer who comes to Burnley Mechanics later this month is a triple TV champion.

He first became a nation’s favourite when he won X Factor in 2009, being denied the coveted Christmas No.1 spot by an internet campaign which saw Rage Against the Machine top the charts.

Then the likeable Geordie proved he could sing to a whole new audience by winning Popstar to Opera Star.

And earlier this year came arguably his most remarkable success, winning the winter sports spectacular The Jump.

“I suppose you could say I’m not afraid of trying new things,” laughed the 22-year-old, who comes to Burnley as part of a 60-date UK tour. “The important thing to me is that I want to have fun with whatever I’m doing and if I can learn something too that’s even better.”

“And the fans are incredible, they are so supportive of me whatever I’m doing.”

It is for The Jump that Joe has perhaps won the most respect, competing in a series of winter sports including the dreaded ski jump.

“That was an incredible experience,” he said. “I did think halfway through ‘I could be in real trouble here’ when they told us that we were using the same training facilities as professionals.

“I’ve got 100 per cent admiration for anyone who does that as a competitive sport. We really only did half of what they do and it was incredible.”

In his relatively short singing career, Joe has released four top 10 albums and a fifth is planned.

But it is the Set Your Soul Alive tour which will be taking up his time for the next couple of months.

“I think the first time I appeared on X Factor I realised that I wasn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea and I stopped worrying about the critics a long time ago,” he said.

“My main concern is keeping the fans happy and putting on a show which they will enjoy. I’ve got some new songs for the show and also some new covers.

“I like to test new things on the public as you get an honest response from an audience.

“Of all the things I do, the favourite part of the job is still going on stage and entertaining people.

“One thing I took from Popstar to Opera star was how I can take care of my voice and I still use the techniques I picked up then.”

Having become the king of reality TV shows would Joe fancy a chance of a stay in the jungle on I’m A Celebrity?

“Who know,” he said, “I think I might enjoy the jungle experience but I’m petrified of rats.”

  • Joe McElderry, Burnley Mechanics, Saturday, April 26. Details from 01282 664400.