Alexandra Burke didn’t think she was "mentally ready" to do ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The former ‘X Factor’ winner was left heartbroken over the summer when her beloved mother Melissa Bell passed away at the age of just 53 – days before the ballroom and latin series kicked off – and, although she didn’t think she had taken enough time to grieve, she believes throwing herself into the show forced her to see the "light at the end of the tunnel" because it brought her so much "happiness."
Speaking to The Sun Online, the 29-year-old singer said: "I can’t thank ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ enough for giving me happiness in a very weird time in my life. Everyone has made that journey for me so special. I think for me, the feedback that I got online is more about, whatever you are going through in life, you can find a good outcome, there is always that light at the end of the tunnel.
"I had the opportunity to take a step back and say to myself, ‘Maybe I’m not ready to do the show mentally’ but actually I’ve surprised myself. I’m not going to say everything’s been rosy, I’ve had ups and downs but I’ve done something that’s brought me such joy. If I can inspire someone else to dance or do something they love, in the toughest of times in their life, then that’s what I’m here for."
And, although her mother isn’t here anymore, Alexandra is convinced Melissa would’ve been very "proud" of her because it used to be her favourite show.
She explained: "This was my mum’s favourite show, my family’s favourite show and I think she would be very proud. I’m very sure she would be, my mum was just the most amazing women who gave me so much strength and she still does to this day.
"You know, everything I do is for my family so she would be proud."
Alexandra will go head-to-head with Gemma Atkinson, Joe McFadden and Debbie McGee in tonight’s (16.12.17) final of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ on the BBC.
Alexandra Burke didn’t feel ‘mentally ready’ for Strictly Come Dancing
