TV

Strictly star reveals behind-the-scenes accident that was never seen on TV

Ouch! This sounds painful!

They topped the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard with their brilliant paso doble last week.

But it was a very different story for Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez during rehearsals, after a mishap left Alexandra bleeding.

Ouch!

Appearing on Strictly’s companion show, It Takes Two, former X Factor winner Alexandra explained; “Not many people know this, but we really did butt heads in the dress run.

Read more: Cheryl is reportedly returning to X Factor in major style!

“I was left with a massive cut lip because we were that into it; so passionate in the dress run.”

Alex, 29, said the intensity of the routine meant she and Gorka were so wrapped up in the emotions of the dance they didn’t even see the mishap coming.

That intensity certainly showed during Saturday’s live show, where they were awarded an incredible 9, 9, 9, 9 by the judges despite it being just the second live show.

“I remember going on stage, with 30 seconds to air, and I just stared at Gorka,” recalled Alexandra.

“I just felt like something came into my system and the next thing I knew I was out of breath. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t even speak.”

It was clear the pair had been practising like crazy to perfect their routine – but the sheer amount of time put into it was actually staggering.

Alexandra said: “We were doing ten hours a day last week.

“It got to a point where I said to him, ‘I don’t like you today!’ I was sweating so much, the windows were steamy. It was so draining, not many breaks, my shoes were killing my feet.

“It was so intense – but he’s amazing and I’m so grateful for him.”

After all the sizzling chemistry and drama of the paso doble, the pair are totally flipping things for their Movies Week performance on Saturday night.

They’ll be dancing an American Smooth to My Fair Lady’s ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?’

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“I definitely feel like this is the sweetest and cutest routine we will do,” teased Alexandra.

“I didn’t think I could fall in love with [Gorka] any more than I have but it’s so cute! I’m a sucker for love and it’s such a lovely piece of art Gorka has created.

“It’s so different to last week and I think it’s absolutely beautiful.”

We can’t wait!


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor