Unrecognisable X Factor heartthrob Joe McElderry soaks up the sun in Barbados 14 years after show

X FACTOR winner Joe McElderry looks worlds away from the teenager with dimples who vied for a record deal 14 years ago.

The Geordie star has buffed up and showed off his muscles while running in the glorious sunshine in Barbados.

And now aged 31, Joe has embraced an edgier, unshaven look.

He sprinted across a beach on the Caribbean island wearing aviator sunglasses, black shorts and a black watch.

While showing off his tanned chest, Joe was unable to disguise his sunburn.

The star has been posting about his paradise holiday on Twitter, and today told fans alongside a video of the ocean: "It's so pretty".

But moments later he said he got "wiped out by a wave hitting the nearby rocks".

The singer looked like he was having the time of his life, and loyal X Factor fans loved his update.

One said: "Wow absolutely incredible video Joe, mega proud of you."

Another joked: "South Shields looking a bit different."

When he was just a fresh-faced teen Joe managed to see off Olly Murs to snatch the X Factor crown in the show's high-flying heyday - and he is still performing today.

The TV star has been keeping a toe in showbiz for years by performing in panto, and enjoying a long run of musical turns, including appearing in the title role of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

He has also starred in reality shows including Popstar To Operastar, and The Jump.

The South Shields lad got a record deal with Simon Cowell's Syco as part of the prize and he went on to release five Top 20 albums, after incredibly duetting with George Michael on The X Factor.

However, he was dropped by the label in 2011, after his single Someone Wake Me Up only sold a reported 7,000 copies.

In 2012 Joe became a victim of stalking after being tracked and followed to his home by an obsessed fan.

The stalker bombarded Joe with tweets, sat on the front row at one of his shows and harassed his mum Eileen and was handed a five-year restraining order.

Last year Joe appeared on Steph's Packed Lunch and surprised viewers with his mature look.