There have been days I’ve broken down but I have been taught to have thick skin
help during her grief. She said: “Gorka’s just been such a fantastic person to lean on during this time.
“We’ve got such a great connection. We share the star sign Virgo, so we’re perfectionists who love to work really hard and know when it’s time to chill.
“We want to create something that’s unforgettable to us personally. I know we’ll be friends for life.”
The health problems her mum struggled with have been a huge motivation for Alexandra.
Melissa fell ill with kidney failure in 2008 while her daughter was on her way to winning The X Factor.
The pair had ended a two-year feud, with the singer saying: “Mum’s illness means I don’t take a day for granted.”
Alexandra, who has been dating Josh Ginnelly since April last year, said health and fitness have now become a huge priority. She explained: “A couple of years ago, I’d put on a few pounds. 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 strong faith and meditate. I aim to be positive, enjoy life, give 100 per cent and be thankful for every day.” Christmas Day is going to be particularly poignant. Alexandra said: “Mum made Christmas special. Christmas means everything.” She has also been doing her bit for the season of goodwill, 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. Of course, Alexandra hopes she can add one thing to her festive decorations this year – the Glitterball trophy.
On Saturday, she goes head to head with Gemma, Joe McFadden and Debbie McGee, with each performing a new dance, a previous routine of their choice and a judges’ track.
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 said: “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’, and mum always said: ‘What’s for you will never pass you by.’”