Joe McElderry back in the studio

Fans of The X Factor have been scratching their heads for the past few months, wondering one thing: where in the world is Joe McElderry?

2009’s winner has kept a very low profile for much of the year, prompting concern that he may headed for the same fate as 2007 victor Leon Jackson.

The sweet-voiced Geordie is back in the studio, recording with American record producer Dallas Austin!

He is certainly in safe hands, as Austin’s long list of past collaborators includes Pink, Gwen Stefani, Sugababes and the King and Queen of Pop themselves, Madonna, Michael Jackson… and, you know, McFly. We say ‘safe hands’… but he might just end up going to strip clubs and getting nearly killed by tequilla – McFly gave Dallas quite the reputation in the UK!

Joe has been tweeting about his progress in the studio in the past few days, revealing the long hours he and Austin have put in:

On Tuesday and Wednesday he wrote, ‘at the studio again time to siiiiiing!!! X

‘Finished at 3 last night was amazing! I’m like a kid at christmas haha! X

‘Another late night last night but so worth it!! Off to the studio now :D. X’

He was still at on Friday, too: ‘Just finished another track :D loving it!

Finished another day in the studio! Its the weeeeeekend!!!! :D x’

McElderry is clearly thrilled with the work he is producing for his upcoming album.

Picture: Matrix Photos