IT is hard to believe that it is now 10 years since Joe McElderry first introduced himself to the nation.

The fresh-faced youngster auditioned on the X Factor in 2007 and advanced to the bootcamp stage of the competition before re-entering two years after.

Under the mentorship of Cheryl Cole, as she was known at the time, he would go on to win the show and claim a recording contract with Simon Cowell’s music label.

Fast forward a decade and times have changed for the now 26-year-old.

He now dons the famous technicolour dreamcoat as he fronts a musical adored by lovers of the stage from all over the world.

With lyrics by Sir Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, McElderry is the face of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat which arrives at the Alhambra in Dunfermline next Tuesday until Saturday.

He told the Times: “At the beginning, it was an adjustment for my body and my voice, but you end up in a routine that becomes almost second nature.

“It is demanding and tiring at times, but it’s a fun job. It’s a great show and the music is great which makes it 10 times easier.

“Sometimes all you want to do is clamber into bed and sleep for 12 hours.

“It’s always a wonderful audience in Scotland. It’s like playing when I go back home.

“The audience is so supportive and just want to have a good time.

“When I was asked, I was very apprehensive and felt it was out of my comfort zone. It’s been fabulous.

“It’s not just the music, it’s got a tremendous story with a lot of emotion, sadness, happiness and really has something for everyone.

“It’s a great family show.

“The music and lyrics are really just fantastic.”

Joe soared to number one on the UK Singles Charts with his rendition of Miley Cyrus’s The Climb and his debut album Wide Awake went straight in at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart.

He has since gone on to have two more Top 10 albums, and he became the first X Factor star to release four albums.

While he is eager to make a name for himself on the stage and on his own merits, he will never forget his introduction into the industry.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the show. I have huge fond memories from the show.

“It makes me feel very old; I’m only 26!

“It still feels like a lifetime ago. It’s a very strange feeling to have!”

“I would like to think I am, and will be, remembered for other things as well as the X Factor.

“Obviously first and foremost, it’s where my career began.

“The majority of people will always have that as their first memory of me. I’m proud of that.

“I’ve never tried to escape it, I’ve always tried to build and move forward.

“It would be silly for me to do that. It was my first entrance into the industry, and a huge entrance at that.

“The one thing you can always say about that show, is that it’s a wonderful platform.

“I’ve always put my head down and worked hard and enjoyed every minute after it.

“I’ve had so many experiences and I hope I can continue to make and have more in the years to come.”

This vibrant and exciting retelling of the biblical story about Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours, sings out to young and old alike with a score which is crammed wall to wall with hits.

Sing along to classics like Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me, just two of the great songs that light up the show.

Tickets for the show range from £19 to £33.50.

They can be bought online at ticketmaster.co.uk or the Alhambra Theatre box office on 01383 740384.