Alexandra Burke has announced the sad news her mother Melissa Bell has died.
The former X Factor winner is preparing to soon take part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing and has vowed to still go ahead with the show.
Revealing the heartbreaking news on her Twitter page, a post read: “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.
“Our beautiful mother gained her wings on Monday 28th August 2017, 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 & thankful to call her our mummy.
“We would be grateful if you could respect our privacy at this difficult time. Thank you. The Burke Family.”
In s separate post, Alexandra added: “Mummy has always been my biggest supporter and was over the moon when I told her I was doing Strictly.
“It was always a dream of hers that I would one day be part of the show and I know that she would have wanted me to carry on xx.”
Alexandra still attended the red carpet launch of Strictly on Monday night despite her mother dying that same day.
Melissa, who was a singer in the Grammy Award-winning R&B group Soul II Soul, suffered from kidney disease and had to undergo dialysis as a result.
It was revealed Alexandra had signed up for the BBC ballroom dance contest earlier this month.
On taking part, she said: “I am very nervous as I am a singer not a dancer, but I am going to give this my absolute everything."
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