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AN X Factor star looked unrecognisable as he was spotted performing in a village pub 20 years after the show final.

Steve Brookstein, 44, famously won the very first series of X Factor back in 2004, beating G4 to the top spot on the now defunct ITV show.

X Factor star Steve Brookstein looks unrecognisable 20 years after the show final
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X Factor star Steve Brookstein looks unrecognisable 20 years after the show finalCredit: BackGrid
The X Factor winner performed at a tiny pub in the North East of England
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The X Factor winner performed at a tiny pub in the North East of EnglandCredit: BackGrid
The star showed off his vocals to punters on Saturday night
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The star showed off his vocals to punters on Saturday nightCredit: BackGrid
Steve beat G4 to the top spot on the now defunct ITV show
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Steve beat G4 to the top spot on the now defunct ITV showCredit: ITV
Steve left Simon's label after a year
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Steve left Simon's label after a yearCredit: Rex Features

After winning the talent show, he was signed to Sony BMG record label, but left Simon Cowell’s label after a string of hits a year later.

But that didn’t stop Steve from pursuing his passion, and he’s carried on his singing career over the years.

Now, the X Factor winner has been spotted delivering a musical performance at a rustic pub named The Courtyard in Morpeth, Northumberland.

Steve was filmed belting out tunes to delighted revellers on Saturday night, and looked unrecognisable while sporting a beard, and performing in a black cap and reading glasses.

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The singer donned a black t-shirt, dark jeans and wore a gold chain around his neck, and showed off his soulful voice to the guests as they drank and dined.

Steve looked in good spirits during the low-key gig, and laughed and joked with guests while performing in the converted farmhouse, and enjoyed a glass of wine post-show.

After the X Factor, Steve released his first album named Heart and Soul with Song BMG record label.

Then, in 2006, he released his second album 40,000 Things with Numunu Records.

Continuing to pursue his music career, the star released Forgotten Man with Pledge Music in 2014.

And over on social media, Steve, who writes that he’s a “singer songwriter” in his bio, regularly posts videos from his gigs to his thousands of followers.

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Earlier this year, Steve was met with bad news after being forced to cancel gig after selling just 27 tickets – despite signing a £1m record deal.

Steve's performance at the Merryfield Theatre in Verwood, Dorset was called off because not enough tickets had been sold.

The venue can hold up to 300 people, but only 27 purchased a ticket to attend.

A spokesperson for the venue confirmed that he cancelled on February 8, just 10 days before he was supposed to take to the stage.

Steve then performed at Esher Theatre in Surrey just six days after cancelling his gig in Dorset - which can hold 300 standing.

And his recent gig shows the star can still attract a crowd, as people settled down for the musical treat at the setting.

Steve looked unrecognisable in a black hat and glasses
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Steve looked unrecognisable in a black hat and glassesCredit: BackGrid
Steve now rocks a beard
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Steve now rocks a beardCredit: BackGrid
The music star chatted away to punters while enjoying a glass of wine
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The music star chatted away to punters while enjoying a glass of wineCredit: BackGrid
He performed some soulful tracks at the low-key gig
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He performed some soulful tracks at the low-key gigCredit: BackGrid
Steve pictured with Simon Cowell during his X Factor days
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Steve pictured with Simon Cowell during his X Factor daysCredit: Kent News and Pictures
Continuing to pursue his music career, the star released Forgotten Man with Pledge Music in 2014
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Continuing to pursue his music career, the star released Forgotten Man with Pledge Music in 2014Credit: Getty - Contributor
Steve's performance at the Merryfield Theatre in Verwood, Dorset was called off because not enough tickets had been sold earlier this year
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Steve's performance at the Merryfield Theatre in Verwood, Dorset was called off because not enough tickets had been sold earlier this yearCredit: Getty
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