The 2011 night when Westoe lad Joe McElderry got the surprise of his life back on South Tyneside

We could not resist a trip back to 2011 when South Tyneside favourite Joe McElderry had a night to remember at the Customs House - and it was a total surprise to him!

The then 19-year-old was just two years on from the thrill of a lifetime when he won the 6th series of X Factor.

But on this day 15 years ago, there was another treat looming and it was a surprise party arranged by his family, friends and supporters.

Joe was shown a film about his journey on the ITV1 singing contest from the point of view of his family and friends.

The Westoe lad, who had been rehearsing for Popstar to Operastar, said in 2011: “I had an inkling something was going on because no one was texting me.

“When I walked in, I thought it might have been an early birthday party. It was really nice to see their perspective of the memories and lovely to see everyone.

“Now we’ve got to do it again. Hopefully, it will get the borough excited again.

“It was a lovely surprise. I just want to thank everyone who helped put it together.”

The film was introduced by Tyne Tees presenter Pam Royle, and the Mill Dam venue’s Community Room was covered in posters, pictures and Gazette articles from the time.

The plan was hatched by his mum Eileen Joyce and uncle Steve Joyce when they thought Joe should see the flip side of his time on the show in the film, called Our Side of the Story.

Eileen said back then: “Joe is so astute, he doesn’t miss a trick, so I don’t know how we kept it a secret. Watching the film was really emotional.”

Steve added: “As Eileen was working so closely with Joe, I decided to take on the task. It took a year to do and involved more than 40 people.”

The film was produced by U3A, co-ordinated by Margaret Fleck and filmed and edited by Neil and Val Dryden.

Dad Jim McElderry said: “It was lovely from a family perspective to hear everyone’s experience, their humour and how enjoyable it was for everyone.”