Alexandra Burke says Strictly was a “blessing” despite the “negativity”

Alexandra Burke says appearing on Strictly Come Dancing was a “blessing”, despite the “negativity”.

X Factor winner Alexandra appeared on last year’s series of Strictly, where she made the final.

But throughout the run Alexandra was the focus of tabloid stories and nasty Twitter comments.

“It was difficult to read what was written about me while I was on Strictly,” she admitted this week. “For 11 weeks, the negativity kept coming – the diva thing, the fake tears – but I said nothing.”

Alexandra, who appeared on Strictly shortly after the passing of her mother, added: “I don’t have enemies, but if I did, I would never wish on them the pain I went through losing a parent.”

Despite the negativity, Alexandra said appearing on the show “was a blessing to have a distraction from the pain”

“I’d dreamt about doing Strictly for years,” she told Daily Mail’s You magazine. “They never usually invite people from The X Factor, so I was very lucky.”

And she’s still in touch with her Strictly costars, revealing: “Aston and I get along so well. We are all in contact: we have a Strictly WhatsApp group called ‘plebs’ – short for pros and celebs.”

A decade after winning The X Factor, Alexandra previously announced that she will be embarking on her ‘The Truth Is’ UK tour this autumn. Her first UK headline tour since 2010, ‘The Truth Is’ will see Alexandra take her infamous soulful voice on the road for a 13 date tour around the country.

Alexandra will perform songs from her eagerly-anticipated new album ‘The Truth Is’ which is released by Decca on 9 March. The new album is Alexandra’s third studio record and features a host of original tracks showcasing her phenomenal voice and songwriting talent.

The tour – which follows the singer’s recent triumphant journey as finalist on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing – kicks off on 1 September at Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion.

Alexandra will then perform at major venues across the UK, including the iconic London Palladium, before finishing at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on 18 September.

Alexandra said: “I am delighted to be going back on the road again with brand new music from my album ‘The Truth is’.

“This album is incredibly personal to me, I have poured my heart and soul into this and it reflects the incredible journey I’ve been through – highs and lows, love and loss.

“I love meeting my fans in their home towns so I can’t wait to see you all in September with my new show!”