Stars and celebrities have been sending messages of support to X Factor winner Joe McElderry, after he came out as gay last week.

The 19 year old South Shields star revealed his sexuality in a newspaper interview, adding that he has never slept with a man and has kissed only one. Model Sean Ryan later admitted that he was that man.

Since his announcement Joe has been bombarded with messages of support from fans on his Twitter and Facebook pages and insiders say it’s not just Joe Public who is backing the star.

A source told The Mirror:

“Matt Lucas, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Will Young have all sent Joe their support.

“He’s even had two letters from MPs! Everyone’s been amazing and, rather than losing fans, Joe is more in demand than ever.”

It has also been revealed that Joe has been signed up in America by David Beckham’s US agency, CAA.

The source added:

“He has a meeting with a Disney executive next week about something extremely exciting. It is so hard for Brits to crack the States but Americans love his small stature, winning smile and dimples.” Let’s hope they understand Geordie too.