10 Questions for Alexandra Burke

WE talked to 2008 X Factor winner Alexandra Burke ahead of her night at the Proms in Glasgow.

Great British Bake Off or X Factor? Ooh, tough one. I’ll choose Bake Off. OK, I won X Factor, but baking is my passion and I love Mary Berry. I’ve learned a lot, and I never miss it. Get down if things don’t go well? Not now. I qualified in life coaching because I wanted to be a better person. I learned I’d buried some deep family issues, so we all sat down and talked them through. Now I’m very positive. You offered your mum a kidney? Yes, but they told me to wait till I’ve had children. We have a history of diabetes in the family. Mum’s on the transplant list, but she’s very strong. Ever been to The Proms before? No. I’ve never had the time, so when they asked me to sing as part of the last night, I didn’t think twice. How nervous will you be? Very, it’s an honour, so I’ll have to up my game. And it’s on TV too. But one day I’ll be able to tell my kids I actually did it. Favourite piece of classical music? Beethoven’s Fifth. I listen to classical music every day, especially when I’m driving or having a bath. What would you do with a gap year? Acting lessons. My mum made me stop acting to concentrate on singing when I was little. The one person who changed your life? My late grandad, who was like a father to me. He was an orphan, but he lived his dreams and had a smile on his face every day. When I pray I ask him for guidance. Naughtiest thing you did as a kid? I stole some penny sweeties from the corner shop. I thought they were free, but mum made me go back and pay for them. You have 24 hours left to live. How do you spend the time? Mum has always been protective and didn’t let me do anything dangerous. I’d go up in a plane and parachute. It’s too late then for her to complain. Alexandra Burke headlines the BBC Proms In The Park in Glasgow next Saturday.