Guess who! X Factor star looks unrecognisable as green-faced witch

An X Factor star looked completely unrecognisable as they dressed as Wicked's Elphaba for a 'spooktacular' Halloween event on Sunday.

The singer, who appeared in the ITV show back in 2009, sported a bold green face and a black witches costume as they prepared to dazzle at a fun event in South Shields.

Taking to their Instagram, the person penned: 'A Wicked Halloween show' as they showed off their amazing costume, which came complete with a pointed hat, long black wig and a cape.

The TV star evidently looked world's away from the baby-faced crooner who wowed audiences with his impressive vocals 15 years ago.

But can you guess who it is? 

That's right, it's Joe McElderry!

The 33-year-old usually cuts a smart figure amid his singing career which has continued since he won the X Factor in 2009, beating off stiff competition from the likes of Stacey Solomon, Olly Murs, Rachel Adedeji and Jedward.

Joe showed off his playful side as he posed for a number of snaps in his witch costume, with one seeing him pose alongside singer Jen Stevens, who was dressed as Wicked's Glinda the good witch.   

Fans were quick to heap praise on The Climb singer, commenting on how brilliant his costume was.

Hours before the Spooktacular Halloween event at the Little Haven Hotel in South Shields, Joe had urged fans to guess what his costume would be as he promoted the event. 

It comes as Joe recently looked worlds away from his teenage X Factor heyday as he announced a new career move. 

Last month, Joe announced he has started the That’s Ridiculous podcast alongside his grandma Hilda.

In footage shared to Instagram, Joe is seen chatting away with his relative in their bid to storm the podcast charts.

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Joe often still shares updates of his life on social media for fans - uploading pictures and videos from his concerts and acting gigs. 

The singer has worked hard to lose weight after he sported a fuller frame during an appearance on ITV daytime show, Lorraine, in 2015.

Two years later, however, he had an athletic physique as he took to the stage shirtless during his performance of Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat.

The singer trained with former Miss Universe finalist Caroline Dixon and following a strict diet.

Previously speaking in an interview with Fabulous magazine, he said: 'Most of the stuff we do is killer, but in a weird way I really enjoy it.

'I'm a really active person and I’ve done lots of charity bike rides.

'It’s a massive part of my life and I think it’s a necessary part of my life for stamina when I’m on stage.'

Joe also reminisced about his time on the show which catapulted him to fame.

He said: 'Every time I see that clip, I feel so old, I look so young on there!', he said.

Joe's debut single - a cover of Miley Cyrus' The Climb - rose to number one in the UK charts immediately after his X Factor triumph.