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Joe 'wants to stay single for now'

This year's 'X Factor' winner Joe McElderry has reportedly laughed off speculation about his sexuality, by confirming that he is straight and single - but just isn't interested in dating right now.
1 of 1 Joe 'concentrating on his music'
Joe 'concentrating on his music'

The 18-year-old singer, who lifted the 'X Factor' crown on Sunday night, has been dogged by the rumours during his time in the competition.

But he has come forward to say that right now his only focus is concentrating on doing the best he can in his music career, and romance is the last thing on his mind.

Joe told The Sun: "I'm straight. I've had girlfriends, but I don't have one right now. I'm a young lad and I'm concentrating on my music. I know I'll probably get offers but - for me - it's all about the singing for now."

The singer, who won 'The X Factor' after receiving a whopping six million votes, added: "At the moment the last thing on my mind is a girlfriend."

Joe, who was mentored by Cheryl Cole in this year's series, also said that he doesn't fancy the stunning judge because the pair built up a friendship after working together on the show.

And he laughed off any suggestion of romance between himself and his fellow 'X Factor' contest Rachel Adedeji, saying: "She's a mate - she makes me laugh. There was nothing going on."

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