Alexandra Burke says her mother would be ‘proud’ of her for reaching the final

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by Wendy Douglas |
Published on

Alexandra Burke has made it to the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2017 but it's been far from an easy ride.

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Alexandra was emotional on It Takes Two ©BBC

Not only has she faced criticism from some viewers but she's found herself in the bottom two more than once despite earning high scores.

And it was only in August, just weeks before starting her dance training, that Alexandra's mother passed away at the age of 53, so it's fair to say the singer has had a tough time.

But speaking on the BBC's sister show, It Takes Two, Alexandra said she believes her mum would have been proud of all she has achieved on the dancing competition.

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Alexandra was overcome with emotion as she watched messages from her family ©BBC

She said: "This was my mum's favourite show and I think she would be very proud.

"At least I hope. Actually I’m very sure she would be. My mum was the most amazing woman who gave me so much strength and she still does to this day.

"Everything I do is for my family and I think she would be proud."

We're sure she would have been too!

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Alexandra has made it to the Strictly Come Dancing final! ©Instagram/AlexandraBurke

Understandably Alexandra has been very emotional during Strictly but some viewers have slammed her tears as 'fake'.

She told the Radio Times that this has left her feeling like she can't be herself on the show. She explained: "Twitter seems to have given people permission to be incredibly hurtful.

"The saddest thing is that I started the show completely myself – my joy and my tears were 100 per cent genuine, however much people said they were fake – but I’m now so self-conscious."

Check out the best Strictly moments ever!

Gallery

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1. Ann Widdecombe as Big Bird

Bruce Forsyth shooing McFly off the dancefloor after Harry Judd won in 20112 of 13
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2. Bruce Forsyth shooing McFly off the dancefloor after Harry Judd won in 2011

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3. Gavin Henson snogging Bruno Tonioli

Mrak Ramprakash getting tangled up with his partner Karen Hardy4 of 13
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4. Mark Ramprakash getting tangled up with his partner Karen Hardy

Russell Grant emerging from a seashell5 of 13

5. Russell Grant emerging from a seashell

6. Nancy Dell'Olio's terrible Halloween performance6 of 13
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6. Nancy Dell'Olio's terrible Halloween performance

Quentin Wilson gets the lowest score ever. Erm, 8 out of 40...7 of 13
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7. Quentin Wilson gets the lowest score ever. Erm, 8 out of 40...

Ann Widdecombe's Paso Doble8 of 13
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9. Ann Widdecombe's Paso Doble

John Sergeant's wasn't much better, mind you...9 of 13
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10. John Sergeant's wasn't much better, mind you...

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11. Bruce Forsyth and Anton du Beck join forces

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Russell Grant gets shot out of a cannon

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12. Ed Balls' EPIC Gangnam Style routine

Susan Calman totally killing it as Wonder Woman13 of 13
CREDIT: BBC

13. Susan Calman totally killing it as Wonder Woman

She also addressed the criticism while speaking to Zoe Ball on It Takes Two saying: "I’ll just be honest and say I know some people may not like seeing me cry but man – I’ve been through the toughest time of my life.

"I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel but I’m still trying to reach it. But if it wasn’t for everyone who supported what I’ve gone through, I don’t know where I’d be. I’m really grateful."

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