Strictly Come Dancing contestant Alexandra Burke reveals her mum has died in heartfelt post
Alexandra announced the news on Twitter
Last updated 29th Aug 2017
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Alexandra Burke has released a heartfelt statement on behalf of her family announcing the death of her 'beautiful mother'.
The statement posted on Twitter said, '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.'
It continued, 'Our beautiful mother gained her wings on Monday 28th August 2017, a day that has changed our lives forever.'
Alexandra, who won The X Factor in 2008, is due to star in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing which starts in a couple of weeks. However the star confirmed she will continue to take part following up her statement saying 'Mummy has always been my biggest supporter and was over the moon when I told her I was doing Strictly'.
Ending, 'I know that she would have wanted me to carry on xx'.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will start on Saturday 9th September and Alexandra Burke was at the launch event for the TV programme over the weekend, here are photos from the event.
Gemma Atkinson
Gemma Atkinson now hosts the Key 103 breakfast show and was previously on Emmerdale playing the role of Carly Hope.
Craig Revel Horwood, Darcy Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli
The Strictly Come Dancing judges pose at the launch night for the new series which starts in September.
Alexandra Burke
Alexandra Burke won The X Factor in 2008 and released two top 20 albums. She also released a number of singles which hit the top spot including 'Bad Boys'.
Brian Conley
Brian's career has spanned over the last 40 years after he landed his big break on The Brian Conley Show, coining his catchphrase 'It's a puppet!'.
Aston Merrygold
Aston Merrygold had many hits with his former group JLS, including 'Beat Again' and 'Hottest Girl in the World'.
Charlotte Hawkins
Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins was the 11th celebrity to be confirmed for this year's series.
Davood Ghadami
Davood Ghadami is mostly known for his role as Kush Kazemi in EastEnders and has also starred in TV shows such as The Bill and Law & Order.
Debbie McGee
Debbie McGee is the widow of magician Paul Daniels, and starred as his glamorous assistant during his routines.
Chizzy Akudolu
Actress Chizzy Akudolu has starred in shows such as Holby City, Hollyoaks and The Inbetweeners.
Female dancers on Strictly Come Dancing
Female dancers on Strictly Come Dancing pose in gold coloured dresses.
Mollie King
Mollie King was part of girl group The Saturdays releasing hits such as 'What About Us' and 'All Fired Up'.
Jonnie Peacock
Jonnie Peacock, MBE, is an English sprint runner who won gold at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Paralympics.
Joe McFadden
Joe McFadden is best known for playing the role of Raffaello 'Raf' di Lucca in Holby City.
Ruth Langsford
Ruth Langsford presents This Morning and was the third celebrity to be revealed for the 2017 series.
Reverend Richard Coles
Rev Richard Coles was an 80s pop star who had hits 'Don't Leave Me This Way' and 'Never Can Say Goodbye' with his group The Communards.
Simon Rimmer
Celebrity chef and co-presenter on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, Simon Rimmer was revealed as the seventh contestant.
Susan Calman
Scottish comedian and TV presenter Susan Calman admitted she hasn't worn wear a dress and heels since she was 17-years-old.
Strictly men with Debbie McGee
The men taking part in Strictly Come Dancing pose with Debbie McGee.
Strictly Judges
Craig Revel Horwood, Darcy Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli.
Our thoughts are with the Burke Family at this difficult time.