Alexandra Burke has opened up about her emotional Strictly Come Dancing performance.
The X Factor singer wowed the judges with a jive at the weekend, scoring the first tens of the series.
But it was bittersweet for Alexandra, who was left in tears after chatting to host Claudia Winkleman over the recent passing of her mother.
After Alexandra and pro partner Gorka Marquez danced the Jive to Proud Mary by Tina Turner., raig Revel Horwood praised: “You created a nuclear reaction, incredible!”
Darcy Busell added: “The energy, the zest, even to the easiest moves you give you all. My, it was absolutely stunning, an all round performance.”
Shirley Ballas said: “I don’t know about Proud Mary, but I’m Proud Shirley. That was amazing. You’ve left me speechless. ”
And Bruno Tonioli praised the routine, saying Tina would’ve been proud.
The judges gave Alexandra a total of 39 points out of 40, with only Craig not giving the full ten marks.
Chatting to Claudia after, Alexandra got emotional as she reflected on the recent death of her mum.
“I wish my mum was here,” Alexandra said through tears.
Claudia replied: “Baby, you did so well and she’d be so proud.”
On It Takes Two tonight, Alex opened up about the emotional night and told host Zoe Ball: “It wasn’t meant to be emotional because the Jive is meant to be so much fun but I think what happened to me, I just saw my brother and boyfriend in the audience and just visualised my mum and it all was a bit too much for me because I wanted her to be there to celebrate that moment with us.
“I’m just grateful to everyone who’s supported me so far, it’s been a tough journey.”
Moving on, this week Alexandra and Gorka will dance the Samba to Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran but Alex insists she’s got no clue how the judges will react.
“I don’t know what to expect from Craig, I thought he was angry after the jive – he’s got such a good poker face!”
Strictly Come Dancing 2017 continues Saturday and Sunday nights on BBC One.
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