X FACTOR star Joe McElderry teamed up with Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall in a rare reunion for the two stars of the show.
Pop star Jade, 30, and the rest of Little Mix won X Factor in 2011 while Joe took the crown in 2009.
The pair joined forces to host a Pride event in their hometown of South Shields.
Jade shared a series of snaps, including a picture of her posing next to singer Joe, 32.
Alongside the post, she wrote: “Last week we hosted our first ever @stonewalluk x @arbeiasouthshields Pride event in my hometown of South Shields and it was even better than I imagined.
“We had a community fair, a Stonewall empowerment workshop for young people followed by the most incredible entertainment.
” It’s so important to create safe spaces in our hometowns, where everybody feels comfortable to be themselves without question – and to also provide education to those who may want or need to learn more about LGBTQ+ history and allyship.
“Stonewall, thank you SO much for working with me to bring this event to the town and for all that you do for the whole community. Thank you to the Arbeia team and local businesses that took part.”
She added: “HUGE thanks to my friends and phenomenal performers @joemcelderryofficial – you gave so many people the night of their lives and I’m so grateful you took the time to show up and show tf out!
“We raised money and awareness but most importantly I hope people left the event feeling inspired and liberated.
“Can’t wait for the next one.”
When he was just a fresh-faced teen Joe managed to see off Olly Murs to snatch the X Factor crown in the show’s high-flying heyday – and he is still performing today.
The TV star has been keeping a toe in showbiz for years by performing in panto, and enjoying a long run of musical turns, including appearing in the title role of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
He has also starred in reality shows including Popstar To Operastar, and The Jump.
The South Shields lad got a record deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco as part of the prize and he went on to release five Top 20 albums, after incredibly duetting with George Michael on The X Factor.
However, he was dropped by the label in 2011, after his single Someone Wake Me Up only sold a reported 7,000 copies.
In 2012 Joe became a victim of stalking after being tracked and followed to his home by an obsessed fan.
The stalker bombarded Joe with tweets, sat on the front row at one of his shows and harassed his mum Eileen and was handed a five-year restraining order.
Last year Joe appeared on Steph’s Packed Lunch and surprised viewers with his mature look.
