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Joe's festive message to fans
POP star Joe McElderry today took time out from his hectic schedule to wish Gazette readers a merry Christmas.
The 18-year-old, from South Shields, has been so busy since winning The X Factor, he has not even had the chance to go Christmas shopping.
But he still found time to pen a personal letter to the Gazette thanking everyone for their support, writing: "Thank you for all your support over the last six months.
"I know that I couldn't have won the X Factor without you.
"Although I was aware of the support that I had, I had no idea of the extent of it!
"I will not ever forget South Shields, no matter where my career takes me. It will always remain home to me.
"So I thank you all once more again for all of your support.
"I wish you all a brilliant Christmas and a fantastic new year in 2010!
"I will hopefully see you all sometime when I get a chance to come home properly!! Lots of love and best wishes, Joe xxx."
Joe also revealed that despite his new-found star status, he won't be turning his back on his studies.
He spent yesterday morning with lecturers at Newcastle College discussing how he can finish his performing arts diploma.
Joe is spending this Christmas with his family at a secret location in the region.
But before he left his Westoe home, following a visit to St Oswald's Hospice in Gosforth, he told the Gazette how family and friends would get their Christmas presents late because he hadn't had time to shop.
Joe, ever proud of his roots, put his personal message in a Christmas card with a festive image of Westoe.
The teen heart-throb said he was looking forward to his traditional turkey dinner, cooked by his grandma Hilda Joyce.
Mum Eileen Joyce said: "We're all looking forward to spending Christmas together, even if it's somewhere different.
"It's good for Joe to have some time off with the family."
Joe looks set to gain a late Christmas present this weekend with his debut single The Climb expected to go to No1.
It was beaten to the Christmas No1 on Sunday by US rock band Rage Against the Machine following an Internet campaign.
On Sunday a page, called 'Make Joe McElderry The Last Number 1 Of The Noughties', was set up on social networking site Facebook and already has more than 3,000 fans.
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Weather for South Shields
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
