Singer Joe McElderry responds to weight critics with Instagram selfie

The singer was accused of “piling on the pounds” after recent TV appearance.

Joe McElderry showed-off a fuller figure on Lorraine yesterday & has now hit back at judges in one of the simplest ways potential.

The X-Factor and Popstar to Operastar victor was subsequently the subject of tabloid headlines including the Mail which said he had a “fuller figure”.

Joe hit back at weight jibes with this selfie [Joe McElderry/Instagram].

All that really matters, though, is that Joe seems to be happy with his new look – he posted a grinning picture on Instagram of him outside the ITV studios after the interview.

Chatting to host Lorraine Kelly about his forthcoming project Tommy The Rock Opera – also featuring Blue’s Antony Costa – Joe had no idea that an “unflattering camera angle” was going to provoke cruel comments about his weight.

Based on The Who’s album Tommy, it tells the tale of a deaf, mute and blind pinball player who becomes an global messiah.

It’s based on the film of the same name which was released in 1975 and Joe will play the lead role of Tommy.

He was just a fresh faced 18-year-old when he won X Factor in 2009, beating Olly Murs to take home the £1 million recording contract.

Joe’s devoted fans rushed to assure the singer that no, he didn’t look like a garden pest, with one writing: “Thing is with you though, you look good in any photos it’s sickening”, while another added: “You’re the fittest slimmest loveliest “slug” I’ve ever seen Joe!”