‘I’m frightened’: Alexandra Burke breaks down in tears as she discusses the devastating effect of her mother’s death

Alexandra Burke was left in tears on Wednesday's episode of Loose Women, as she discussed the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Melissa Bell.

The 29-year-old Strictly Come Dancing star lost her mother back in September 2017. She passed away as a result of kidney failure from diabetes.

Live on Loose Women, Alexandra admitted that while she's thrown herself into work in order to cope with the devastating loss - she's also "frightened" to slow down and face her grief.

Speaking to the panellists, she confessed, “I’ve thrown myself into work since Strictly. Some may say it’s not healthy and I know that literally every day I have been doing something towards the album or in the studio."

Becoming emotional, she admitted, "But I’m frightened to stop. I’m not going to lie. I am."

During the discussion, Alexandra, who was partnered with Gorka Marquez on the BBC show, revealed that her mother actually passed away on the day of the Strictly launch.

She reflected, saying, “I just remember the day we did the [Strictly] red carpet reveal. That was the day mum passed. Early hours that morning.

"No one knew, I went on stage, smile on my face and I left everything for behind the scenes."

Alexandra went on to confess that the decision to carry on was actually inspired by her mother, and how she had raised her.

“That’s the way mum’s always taught me to be. Maybe that’s not the right way.

"She always used to say to me that when the camera's on, you're ready, you put that smile on your face".

However, Alexandra confessed that she's planning to take a more open approach from now on.

The newly-engaged star said, "But now, that's not how I want to be. If I'm not alright, I'm going to say it."

Despite her devastating loss, Alexandra continued to admit that Strictly actually provided her with a positive escape during her personal turmoil.

She said, "That's what I miss about Strictly. For those 90 seconds, you can't think of anything else, and I miss being that carefree. It was a blessing at the right time, and a distraction for me."