STRICTLY FINALIST
WITH just days to go until the Strictly Come Dancing final, Alexandra Burke’s eyes are firmly set on the Glitterball trophy.
The X Factor champion is hoping to make TV history by becoming the first person to win both shows.
But while she’s been one of the judges’ favourites, Alexandra knows the public are still to be convinced.
The singer has been taunted and criticised for her emotional outbursts, with some online bullies branding her “fake”.
And as she’s doing the show to honour her late mum Melissa Bell, the abuse has left her in tears behind closed doors.
Alexandra admitted: “I can’t help reading the negative comments on social media about me – and it can upset me. I’m only human. There have been days when I’ve broken down.”
The 29-year-old spoke out after weeks of being blasted by Strictly fans for being over-emotional each time she and pro partner Gorka Marquez, 27, got to the next round.
She was lampooned on social media, with many calling her “OTT”.
They may have thought their taunts were harmless but Alexandra didn’t.
She said: “I’ve been on stage since the age of five and always wanted this career. I feel so lucky to have it but there are downsides.
“I’ve been taught to have a thick skin and try to control my feelings.
“It’s just a shame some people can’t see how hard I’m working – there’s nothing fake about that. Gorka and I know what the truth is.”
The Daylight Robbery hitmaker, who has sold more than four million records, showed her vulnerable side on camera after back-to-back weeks in the bottom two.
Despite high scores from the judges, she has been in the dance-off twice, suggesting she hasn’t fared as well in the public vote.
However, she bounced back in sensational fashion last week, scoring her first 40 for the Salsa, then a 39 for her Viennese Waltz to Everybody Hurts by Tina Arena – leaving her only one point short of 80-point perfection.
She even earned a standing ovation from judge Shirley Ballas, while Bruno Tonioli said her performance had a “soft, dreamy quality”.
Her battle to win over the public comes after a very hard year.
Melissa, a lead singer in Grammy-winning group Soul II Soul, died from diabetes mellitus and kidney ailments aged 53 in August – 12 days before Alexandra started competing on Strictly.
It was a shared dream for her to be on the show.
Alexandra said: “It’s been a weird, tough time. “The whole journey has been emotional, because of what I’ve gone through and am still going through. “My mum wanted me on the show, so this is her dream as well as mine.” And while gossips had suggested she was furious with partner Gorka for his closeness to fellow finalist Gemma Atkinson, Alexandra revealed he’s been a huge