It remains to be seen whether or not he can carve out a long term career in music, but making sure he has backup options Joe McElderry has recently signed a modelling contract.

The 2009 X Factor winner has revealed that he has already had his first shoot for top agency Next Models.

Joe told the Daily Mirror: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the pictures.

“I really enjoyed the shoot. It will be so exciting to do this alongside my music.”

McElderry hasn’t yet begun recording his debut album for Simon Cowell’s Syco label but it is expected that the record will be released this autumn, to coincide with the launch of the 2010 X Factor live shows.