‘Josh and I are total home birds !’

Singer Alexandra Burke, 29, lives in London with her fiancé, Josh Ginelly, who proposed while the couple were on holiday in January. The Truth Is is Alexandra’s third album, and her first with Decca Records.

Alex, tell us about your latest album, The Truth Is?

This is my most personal album yet. I’ve poured my heart into it, which is scary. I wrote The

Truth Is about my mum, before she passed away. She was quite sick. But, on a happier note,

Summer is about how my fiancé,

Yes, congratulations on your engagement! Tell us about your husband-to-be...

Oh, he brings me so much joy! Josh is a real homebird, as am I – we rarely go out. But he’ll do things he knows make me happy. For the Strictly end-of-tour party, he came with me and, for the first time, I saw him dancing.

Did music help you in any way when you lost your mum?

To be honest, it’s still so raw that working and my family, of course, are getting me through it right now. I don’t feel like I’ve really processed losing her. I just throw myself into work and distract myself to mentally get through each day.

You always wanted to be a performer, didn’t you?

Yes! I was five when I told my mum I wanted to sing, dance and act. Mum listened to everything, but she loved Motown and I grew

up listening to Gladys Knight, Al Green, Aretha... that’s why I’ll always be a soulful singer.

You recently finished the Strictly tour. How was your experience?

It was so much fun – a wonderful distraction after losing Mum. There were ups and downs, but Strictly brought me great happiness. I stay in touch with literally everyone.

The Truth Is (Decca Records) is out 16 March, and Alexandra is on tour in September. For more information, visit alexandra burke official.com