Cowell treats McElderry to Alpine break
Sunday, December 20 2009, 13:54 GMT
By Sarah Rollo, Entertainment Reporter
Rex Features
Simon Cowell has reportedly gifted a luxury ski holiday to Joe McElderry and ten of his relatives.
The X Factor winner will stay in a five-star chalet in the Austrian Alps at a cost to Cowell of ยฃ20,000, according to the Sunday Mirror.
McElderry, whose debut single 'The Climb' is in a Christmas chart battle with Rage Against The Machine's 'Killing In The Name', said that he was excited to be going on the trip.
"It will be me and my closest family. The last few weeks have just rushed by in a blur, so I just can't wait to put my feet up and really take it all in," he said.
An X Factor source revealed that it will be a new experience for the 18-year-old, adding: "Joe's been skiing before but not like this. This will be the full, lavish, celebrity treatment in mega-luxury. When Simon treats someone, he really treats them."
McElderry and his family are due to fly to the Alps just after Christmas.