Alexandra Burke reveals the 10 surprising things about fame and stardom

X Factor winner and pop star Alexandra Burke talks about becoming famous, life on the road, and her role in The Bodyguard.

Were you stunned by how much attention was heaped on you after you won The X Factor?

It was overwhelming being on The X Factor. It’s very intense. Part of that is that you never know how the public are going to take to you.

I didn’t know how they were going to take to my voice or how I interpreted songs, so I was a little anxious. The reaction I got was a blessing, though. I couldn’t have asked for more.

I’ve been really lucky to have the support I had and still have.

Is it a tiring job being in the public eye?

No, the work on the show is much more tiring. I’m not just singing or dancing I have to sing AND dance at the same time. So I’ve been working out at the gym practising singing on the treadmill.

I’ve had a few funny looks, but I think it’s hilarious. In fact, if anyone sees me doing it and wants to join in, then they’re more than welcome!

Did you ever begin to regret being in the spotlight?

I’ve been working in music most of my life, but to then be part of the most talked about TV show of the time was something I’m not sure anyone can prepare for.

It can take over your life completely and it certainly took over mine, but it was something that I totally enjoyed. Whether there was negative press or positive press, I took it all with a pinch of salt.

Did you find it easy to say yes to being in The Bodyguard?

I turned the role down originally as I just didn’t feel in the right mental condition to do it. I was worried I’d bring the show down, so I wanted to see if I could hack it.

It’s a show I wanted to do, but I wanted to audition because I knew I would have to meet a certain standard. Luckily, two hours after the audition, they called me to say the part was mine.

The Bodyguard is hugely linked with Whitney Houston. How much of an influence was she on you?

When I was a little girl she was one of my biggest inspirations and even now I still listen to her music every day. I’m a massive fan.

Saving All My Love For You was one of my favourites to sing growing up. Her first album is possibly my favourite record of all time.

Do you feel pressure to look good all the time and do you think famous women have it worse than men?

There’s always pressure, but I never take that on. I just get on with it and move forward. I don’t plan what I’m going to wear that much! My mum always taught me to have a thick skin and take things in my stride.

Did your mum (Melissa Bell, former singer with Soul II Soul) offer advice after you became famous?

She always told me: “Alexandra, you need to be yourself.”

And I took it on board. I’ve always had a vision of what I wanted to do with my career. After The X Factor I had a fantastic relationship with Simon Cowell’s people and they understood where I wanted to go.

Not a lot of people know this, but my mum actually performed with Whitney Houston. She was the backing singer on Whitney’s first appearance on Top of the Pops.

If I had to pick someone out who’s helped me the most then it has to be my mum.

Do you enjoy the attention fame brings or does it ever get too much for you?

No, I absolutely welcome it when the photographers are there! It’s part of my work. I don’t ever put any energy into seeking out publicity and fame. I’m a chilled person.

I’ve never thought, “Oh, get lost”, when someone’s come up to me outside or in the gym. It’s nice people want to be nice.

You’ve done stage shows before, but how does going on tour with The Bodyguard differ?

It was pedal to the metal in rehearsals! It’s a little bit scary, but I’ve done it in the West End. This is a very different show we’re taking on the road now, though.

It’s been completely revamped and there’s amazing dance sequences added in. It’s been a bit of a challenge to learn it all, but I was just saying to the director today that I’m utterly in love with the show. Audiences are going to love it too.

Do you find any aspects of fame lonely?

With The Bodyguard it’ll be quite difficult when I’m touring because I’ll be away from my family.

But thankfully I won’t be finishing shows and being on my completely own I’ll have my dogs with me to speak to! Prince is my chihuahua, Alfie my Yorkshire terrier, and Teddy is a Pomeranian.

Plus I’m back to releasing my own music next. I’ve got a new EP, called Renegade, coming out, so I’ll be keeping pretty busy between that and The Bodyguard tour.

The Bodyguard will be at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre from March 4 to 14 before moving to His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen from March 17 to 28 then Edinburgh’s Playhouse from September 29 to October 10.