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Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez address “heartbreaking” rumours on This Morning

Is everything rosy in the Strictly garden?

Alexandra Burke is having an absolutely sensational series of Strictly Come Dancing so far.

She scored the first perfect 10 of the series – earning a standing ovation from Craig Revel Horwood – and has been a bookies’ favourite ever since.

However, she had a real scare this weekend when she appeared to freeze mid-routine.

The singer and her professional dance partner Gorka Marquez made an appearance on This Morning today to talk about the competition heating up as it nears its finale.

Straight away talk turned to how fierce the competition was, especially with favourite Aston Merrygold controversially getting the boot last week.

Alexandra said Aston’s leaving was: “A shock to everyone – a massive shock.”

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She then went on to discuss her freeze at the weekend, saying: “That was real. I forgot everything in the dress run. Gorka carried on, and I just stared at him!

“All I could do was say sorry to him because I had no idea what I was doing.”

Gorka, however, was full of praise for his partner, saying: “She makes my job very easy. She not only has talent, but she loves dancing. I don’t need to be pushing.”

Next, Phil did what Phil does best – ask awkward questions! He talked about the rumours in the press of a feud with Gemma Atkinson, with whom Gorka had been seen recently.

Alex seemed to squash any rumours of a conflict though, saying confidently: “There’s no truth to any of it. The shame of it is we all get along like a little family, so to read things like this is heartbreaking.

“It’s hurtful to read things that aren’t true, but it’s the nature of the beast.”

Gorka then said: “I wish there were live cameras in the rehearsals to show how much fun we all have together. I did have breakfast together with Gemma, just as friends. All the time I have, I spend with her [Alexandra]. She’s the only woman in my life right now!”

Beef firmly squashed, Alexandra spoke about how she tried not to let the pressure get to her, and just focus on her moves each week – to avoid another dangerous freeze-up.

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So there we have it – straight from the horse’s mouth, everyone in the Strictly camp gets along like a house on fire. Nothing to see here!

Well, that’s what she’s saying, anyway….


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor