X Factor singer Joseph Whelan goes back to his roots

X Factor star Joseph Whelan went back to his roots when he performed a gig at a packed pub in front of family and friends.

The 26-year-old tool salesman from Wolverhampton wowed the judges and the nation when he belted out Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love on the ITV talent show last week.

Viewers saw Joseph, of Coppice Close, Ashmore Park, get through to the boot camp stage and what happens next is a closely guarded secret.

Joe performed at The Wrottesley Arms, in Perton, and it was familiar turf for the singer who performed there with his former band Dementia when they were promoting a charity single paying tribute to soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

Glory To The Boys was being promoted by Perton man Dave Allen, of Coleridge Drive, whose son James was a Royal Marine commando before taking up a civilian job.

After the audition viewers saw Joseph's four-year-old son Kian race across the stage to hug him.

Mixed martial artist Joseph said: "It's a bit of a reunion for my family and friends.

"I've played here about half a dozen times when we were doing Glory To The Boys. Dave lives in Perton and got us a gig here.

"I'm getting a lot of recognition now because of X Factor and the clip of me singing having gone on the internet."

Joseph's mother Geraldine, aged 49, was in the audience. She bought him his first guitar book when he was 15.

Geraldine said: "The first thing he learned to play was Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits and he just went from there, playing gigs and building in confidence. I'm unbelievably proud of him."

The set included Whole Lotta Love, Guns N Roses classic Sweet Child Of Mine and some of his own songs .