He's been described as "a young Cliff Richard", and he is certainly a big hit with his female fans. But finding that special someone is not at all on the agenda for X Factor champion Joe McElderry at the moment.
"At the minute the last thing on my mind is (finding) a girlfriend," says the 18-year-old from South Shields, adding: "I'm straight. I've had girlfriends, but I don't have one right now.
"I haven't slept with anyone, but I'm a young lad and I'm concentrating on my music. I know I'll probably get offers but – for me – it's all about my singing," he says in an interview with The Sun.
Only child Joe has said that winning Simon Cowell's TV talent search was the "best experience of my life". But he's vowed not to get carried away by fame and fortune, and like Susan Boyle – who recently celebrated her chart success in modest fashion by buying a sofa – he says he will be careful with his money.
"I am going to be sensible," insists the youngster. "I'm not going to waste it all by being a big spender. That's not how I was brought up.
"I would like to have my own house, near home, and maybe pay off my mam's mortgage and give my Hilda (his grandmother) a wad of cash too."
Family is clearly important to Joe. he was brought up by mum Eileen after his parents split up when he was a baby.But he saw his dad regularly, and both parents were there to support him at The X Factor live shows each week.
