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Showbiz

X Factor Alex's mum tells of illness

Georgina Littlejohn, London Lite
Updated 12:16pm on 4 Dec 2008


The mother of The X Factor semi-finalist Alexandra Burke has spoken for the first time about her battle against kidney disease.

Worried: Alexandra

Former soul singer Melissa Bell is critically ill as she desperately waits for a kidney and a pancreas donor. Alexandra, 20, reached the semi-finals of the reality talent show last Saturday and is the favourite to win.

But the Islington-born starlet has secretly been worried sick about her mother's deteriorating health.

Ms Bell, 44, former lead singer of Soul II Soul, said: "I don't have any kidneys at all right now...I get really tired." But she said seeing her daughter's success has kept her strong. "Alex doing so well is the perfect tonic for me."

Reader views (5)

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Alexandra will never live under Leonas shadow! She is a completly different sound and I think its great that these kind of shows find people with such talent. For the first time in years we have now got our own Divas! There is no act with Alexandra, she seems to be just a normal girl trying to live her own dream, good on her what a voice. I also wish her mum and family all the best, she is an amazing singer bring it on 'SOUL II SOUL'!!!!!

- Tony Bonner, Fleet, UK, 12/12/2008 08:13
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As a mum i feel your pain.i hope she gets well.and because i intend to run a program for sweet mothers.i pray she gets well.and to you alex be strong.simon well done.

- Bridgette Peters, london, 11/12/2008 11:22
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while Alex is talented i feel she has 'missed the boat' somewhat - the X factor has already produced one successful singer and Alex will always be in Leona's shadow. Plus Alex needs to be careful, she is acting as if she has already won it, and we all know that winning it means nothing really.
However, with regards to her mum, i don't think this is a 'sob story' -however Alex seems to living her mums dream.

- Kh, London UK, 08/12/2008 16:20
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Chic, Alexandra is very talented and definately has the X-factor. Truth be told, she won't be getting the sympathy vote, people have been voting for her for the genuine reason that she is an amazing singer, performer and entertainer who derserves the X-Factor crown.

Alex all the way!!

- Michelle Haughton, London, 07/12/2008 22:29
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Yet another X-Factor sob-story for a sympathy vote from the public. What has Alex's mother's health got to do with the general public?

- Chic, London, 05/12/2008 20:32
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