Alexandra Burke will dedicate her performances on Strictly Come Dancing to her late mum.
X Factor winner Alexandra previously revealed her mum Melissa Bell had passed away recently after a short illness.
The singer has now vowed to continue on Strictly to make her mother proud.
“My being on the show was a dream of hers, as well as mine, so doing the best I can on Strictly means a lot to me,” Alexandra told the Radio Times. “My mum was my biggest critic.
“And she has turned me into a perfectionist; everything I do is for her.
“So when I step on to that dance floor on Saturday night I want to do the best I can and make her proud.”
Earlier this month, Alexandra thanked fans for their support after her heartbreaking announcement.
“Just wanted to take a moment and say thank you to all of those who have sent such loving messages to myself and the family,” Alexandra wrote on Twitter. “It all feels unreal but I’m trying my best to stay strong. I miss my mummy so much.”
The West End star and now Strictly Come Dancing contestant took to Twitter at the end of August to reveal the sad news that her mother sadly died over the weekend.
“It is with the heaviest and saddest of hearts that the family inform you our beautiful, funny and loving mum, Melissa Bell has passed away,” Alexandra said in a message posted online. “Our beautiful mother gained her wings on Monday 28th August, a day that has changed our lives forever.
“We will never forget her unconditional love, support, charisma, strength and courage throughout her life. We are eternally proud and thankful to call her our mummy.”
Alexandra was the final celeb confirmed for this year’s Strictly line up back in August.
She said at the time: “I am so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly cast! I love this show and have followed it from the beginning, so being able to be a part of it is just a dream come true for me – I still can’t believe it!
“I am very nervous as I am a singer not a dancer, but I am going to give this my absolute everything and try my best to make everyone proud.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight on BBC One with the first live show from 6:25PM.
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