There have been days I’ve broken down but I have been taught to have a thick skin
xandra says he’s been a huge help ng her grief. “Gorka’s just been such ntastic person to lean on during this e,” she gushes. “We’ve got such a great nection. We share the star sign Virgo, we’re perfectionists who love to work y hard and know when it’s time to .
We want to create something that’s orgettable to us personally. I know l be friends for life.”
The health problems her mum struggled with have also been a huge motivation. Melissa fell ill with kidney failure in 2008, while xandra was on her way to winning X Factor. he pair had ended a two-year feud, h the singer saying: “Mum’s illness ans I don’t take a day for granted.” xandra says health and fitness have now become a huge priority, as showcased by her fab figure.
“A couple of years ago I’d put on a few pounds,” says Alexandra, who has been dating Josh Ginnelly since April last year. “It was happy ‘love weight’. I was in a good relationship and a settled place.
“Since then, I decided it was time to take health more seriously, as my mother suffered from diabetes. I dropped around three dress sizes by going to the gym six times a week and eating more healthily. I’ve dropped another size because 10 hours training a day is so intense. I have a
ON HER MUM MELISSA WHO DIED OF DIABETES
strong faith and meditate. I aim to be positive, enjoy life, give 100% and be thankful for every day.” One day is going to be particularly poignant however. She says: “Mum made Christmas special. Christmas means everything.” She has been helping TK Maxx raise money for Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens, by asking people to post a selfie of their Christmas socks as part of their #socksie campaign. And Alexandra hopes she can add one thing to her decorations – the Glitterball trophy. On Saturday she goes head-tohead with Gemma, Joe Mcfadden and Debbie Mcgee, with each performing a new dance, a previous routine of their choice and a judges’ pick.
Alexandra and Gorka are doing American Smooth to Wouldn’t It Be Lovely from My Fair Lady as the judges’ choice, with There’s No Business Like Showbusiness by Ethel Merman as their showdance.
She says: “The X Factor was scary because it’s life-changing and I bared my all. This is scarier as I don’t have a song or a microphone to lean on.
“Before each dance, I have sweaty palms and my knees knock. My motto is ‘have low expectations but high hopes’.’” Debbie says Paul helps
Mum’s illness means I don’t take a day for granted. Health and fitness are a priority ALEXANDRA