The X Factor winner has admitted that what some have said about her online has made her upset as she hit back at claims her emotional appearances are “fake”.

The 29-year-old has been repeatedly criticised for her outbursts by trolls, but she has said her partner Gorka Márquez has been “fantastic”.

“I can’t help reading the negative comments on social media about me,” Alexandra commented. “And it can upset me, I’m only human. There have been days when I’ve broken down.”

The hitmaker continued: “I’ve been on stage since the age of five and always wanted this career. I feel so lucky to have it, but there are downsides. I’ve been taught to have a thick skin and try to control my feelings.

“It’s just a shame some people can’t see how hard I’m working – there’s nothing fake about that. Gorka and I know what the truth is,” in an interview with the Daily Mirror.

Meanwhile, Alexandra is doing the programme in honour of her late mother Melissa Bell, who died just 12 days before her first performance.

She went on: “It’s been a weird, tough time. The whole journey has been emotional, because of what I’ve gone through and am still going through.

“My mum wanted me on the show, so this is her dream as well as mine. Gorka’s just been such a fantastic person to lean on during this time. We’ve got such a great connection.”

According to bookmakers Coral, Alexandra is currently the third most likely to lift the Glitterball with odds of 5/1, after Joe McFadden (4/5) and Debbie McGee (9/4).

Strictly Come Dancing concludes Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.