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EXCLUSIVE: Alexandra Burke gives her verdict on an X Factor comeback, life at home and why she’s more vigilant than ever about her health these days

15:19, 06 Oct 2026Updated 07:25, 10 Oct 2026

Eight years after The X Factor disappeared from our screens, it’s rumoured to be making a comeback with a whole new look and a fresh judging panel.

And one of the biggest stars to have come out of the prime-time talent show, Alexandra Burke, admits she’s “very excited” at the prospect of seeing it back on television.

Alexandra, who shot to fame in 2008 as the show’s fifth winner, says, “The X Factor gave me a career. I don’t know what format it’s going to come back in, what it’s going to look like, but we all know that Simon Cowell is a genius at what he does. So all I can do is sit here and wish him the best with it.”

The show hit pause in 2018 due to declining viewing figures, but although it has been criticised by some former contestants, Alexandra – who duetted with Beyoncé during her unforgettable final – has nothing but glowing memories.

“I’ve only ever had good things to say because I had a great experience,” she says. “It gave me a massive career and I’m still here working, 18 years later.”

As for whether she’s still in touch with Simon, she says, “I saw him in April at Britain’s Got Talent when I performed with the cast of The Chaka Khan Musical. It was lovely to see him, Amanda [Holden], Alesha [Dixon] and KSI. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone.”

She previously admitted that Cheryl [Tweedy], her mentor during her time on the show, didn’t reply to texts following her win, but there are clearly no hard feelings. “We met at a birthday party a couple of years ago and she was on great form,” Alexandra says. “She’s always really lovely when I see her, always so kind.”

So what advice would Alexandra give to any future contestants? “Stay true to who you are, because on these shows it’s easy to get wrapped up in it all,” she says. “And work hard – nothing’s ever handed to you. The hard work starts when the show ends.”

Alexandra’s own career has flourished since her time on the show. She took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, finishing in joint second place with her professional dance partner Gorka Márquez, and has gone on to become one of the West End’s most prolific leading ladies, with starring roles in The Bodyguard and Chicago.

Right now, she’s catching a breath after finishing an epic run of I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical in London, playing the iconic singer herself. But laughing, the star – who has two young sons with her Irish fiancé, former professional footballer Darren Randolph – admits her home life alone is enough to keep her on her toes.

“It’s chaos, but it’s a house full of love,” she says. “We have six dogs as well, by the way. My boys are amazing. They’re two very different personalities, and full of energy.”

Stunned by how fast time is whizzing by, she tells us she’s trying her best to live in the moment. “Time just goes so quickly. I remember when my first son was born – now he’s four and in reception, I don’t know where those four years have gone,” she says. “I know that I’ve tried my best to juggle both kids, bringing them to work, and it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Alexandra says she and Darren make a brilliant team. She has a soft spot for the Irish and dubs them “the friendliest people on the planet”. And if work didn’t keep her in London, she’d be tempted to move to the Emerald Isle.

“I love it there,” she says. “Darren goes back weekly. My boys have only been twice, but we’re planning more trips now they’re older.”

The fitness-loving couple, who have already ticked off two London Marathons together, are set to begin training for their third – and fitness clearly runs in the family as Alexandra’s eldest, at just four years old, comes to the gym with her, lifting his own little weights.

She says having children has reminded her that life is for living. “I look at them and think, ‘Gosh, I need to relax a bit sometimes.’ They have such a zest for life.”

Sadly, she lost her own mum, Melissa Bell, who was the lead singer of London band Soul II Soul, in 2017 from kidney failure, caused by complications from diabetes. “It’s such a hard thing to go through, but I have a brilliant network around me,” she says. “And Mum’s always there, you know. I feel her around me all the time.”

Alexandra has no doubt Melissa would have been a doting grandma. “Oh, 100%. She’d have taken the kids from me daily, and said, ‘Just go to work.’ She did that with my nieces and nephews.”

Almost 10 years on, she says the grief still comes in waves, but she has learned to live with it. “It’s the price we pay for love, isn’t it?” she says softly.

Looking to the future, Alexandra has plenty to be thankful for. As well as her family, she’s back in the studio recording new music, which she hopes to release next year. And she’s just landed an exciting film role – for now, a top secret.

She won Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series at the National Film Awards last year, for playing teacher Helen Jones in the Paramount+ crime series Curfew, but while she wants to get stuck into more TV work, music will always be her “first love”.

The star recently appeared on a special edition of Katherine Ryan’s podcast What’s My Age Again?, in conjunction with tombola and Breast Cancer Now, to get women talking about their breasts more. Despite the topic, she had a hoot with the comedian.

“She’s a gem; she’s so funny,” says Alexandra. “The conversation was really warm. It was actually comfortable for me to have, simply because it just meant a lot.”

Alexandra, who lost her beloved aunt Jean to breast cancer in 2009 and had her own scare some years back, is keen to help change the narrative. As tombola’s research reveals, 66% of women have never asked a friend if she’s checked her breasts, though 58% know someone who’s been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“That hit home for me. I asked myself, ‘When was the last time I asked my girlfriends, my sister or my aunties if they have checked their breasts?’ Why don’t we do that? It needs to become a normal thing, not a taboo question. Who knows, just a quick call asking your friend to check themselves could save their lives.”

Staying healthy has never been more important for Alexandra, now she has two adorable little boys to think of. “I was mindful of it when I lost my mum, but even more so since becoming a mum myself,” she says. “You’re nothing without your health.”

For guidance on how to check your breastsand understand what’s normal for you, visit tombola.co.uk/breast-cancer-now

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The true crime documentary will return to screens sooner than you think

Channel 5’s gripping true crime series will return with new chilling episodes – and it’s coming sooner than you think.

First aired in 2023, Murder Scene: The Incident Room is a true crime series that explores real-life murder investigations across the UK, but with a twist. The investigations are told through the eyes of real detectives who worked on the cases.

The series, which has seen two seasons so far, plunges viewers into the centre of police investigations, revealing how officers gather evidence and make critical conditions. Channel 5 has teased: “Inside the nerve centre of murder inquiries, revealed through the detectives themselves.”

Featuring first hand accounts as well as heartbreaking interviews with family members of the victims, the series also shows real archive footage as well as using reconstruction sequences.

Murder Scene: The Incident Room will return to Channel 5 tonight (September 30) with yet another harrowing case. Airing at 8pm on Channel 5, the brand new episode will transport viewers back to a horrific event on Christmas Eve in 2022.

Taking viewers behind the scenes of a murder investigation, tonight’s episode will explore the heartbreaking murder of 26-year-old Elle Edwards, who was killed by a gunman armed with a submachine gun outside of a pub in Wirral, Merseyside.

After firing the weapon into a group of people on Christmas Eve, the gunman fled the scene as CCTV revealed this was not a random act, with detectives working around the clock for justice.

An official synopsis reads: “The Incident Room is the place where Britain’s toughest murder cases are cracked. Behind closed doors, detectives work against the clock, piecing together the clues, chasing down suspects, and searching for the breakthrough that will bring a killer to justice.”

About tonight’s episode, it continues: “Christmas Eve 2022: a packed pub, a burst of gunfire. Within seconds, six people are shot outside the Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey.

“Twenty-six-year-old Elle Edwards dies at the scene. A gunman armed with a military-grade machine gun has opened fire on innocent bystanders – and he’s still out there.

“CCTV reveals this was no random act. As pressure mounts, a crucial breakthrough changes the direction of the case, triggering a nationwide manhunt for a dangerous and desperate fugitive.

“This is the story of a community shattered, a family devastated, and the relentless pursuit of a killer who believed he could disappear into the night.”

New episodes will air every Wednesday on Channel 5, with the next instalment dropping on October 7 at its usual 8pm slot. Episodes can also be streamed on Channel 5 online. Previously praising the show, one person said episodes were “too good to miss” as another admitted it was a “must watch”.

Murder Scene: The Incident Room returns tonight at 8pm on Channel 5

The Dosa King built a restaurant empire worth millions. But when a young woman rejects him, he threatens her marriage. Soon after, her husband is found dead. For nearly two decades, he fights to escape justice. Can his wealth and power protect him? Find out in Season 2 of True Crime Reports, an Al Jazeera Originals Production.

The illustrations in this video were created by artists aided by AI-powered software.

In this episode:

Episode credits:

True Crime Reports is an Al Jazeera Originals Production. Our host is Halla Mohieddeen. This episode was written by Ryan Gaffney. The Head of Podcasts is Jo de Frias. The EP of Podcasts is Alexandra Locke. Our Executive Producer is Ney Alvarez. Our Senior Producer is Fahrinisa Campana, Leo Danczak is our producer and Catherine Nouhan is our Assistant Producer. The Production Coordinator is Ashley McCarry. Fact-checking by Catherine Nouhan, Zaina Badr and Chiara Brambilla. The Senior Script Editor is Dan Hawaleshka. Our Post-Production Supervisor is Nacho Corbella. Our Video Editor is Nacho Corbella. Osama Alsaadi is our AI Animator. Alan Leer is the Supervising Sound Editor. The Sound Designer is Lizzy Andrews. Music composition by Tom Biddle. Adam Abou-Gad is our Engagement Producer.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Mel Giedroyc hosted The Great British Bake Off for seven years between from 2010 to 2016, but one contestant shared what she’s really like once the cameras stop filming

Mel Giedroyc showed her true personality to contestants when cameras weren’t rolling during filing of The Great British Bake Off. Mel Giedroyc hosted The Great British Bake Off for seven years between from 2010 to 2016 and left the show when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4, famously stating they were “not going with the dough”.

Over her time on the show she met dozens of contestants and hundreds of filming and production crews – with one show member lifting the lid on what she was like once the cameras stop rolling. Former contestant Howard Middleton, a graphic designer from Sheffield who left on week six of series four the show.

He shared one moment where he believes Mel showed her true colours once the cameras were not rolling in the tent.

Speaking to Smooth Spins Casino, former GBBO contestant Howard Middleton said: “They [Mel and Sue Perkins] were so funny. They were lovely. I remember there was one occasion where Mel came up and asked whether I wanted a cup of tea.

“And there were no cameras or anything like that. She actually asked one of the runners to get one for me; she didn’t make it herself, but it was just that consideration and warmth, which was very genuine.”

Nigella Lawson replaces Prue Leith for 2026 Great British Bake Off

Earlier this year, Prue Leith 86-year-old announced it was the ‘right time’ to leave The Great British Bake Off after nine years on the show. However, in her place, viewers will welcome Nigella Lawson to the tent as the 66-year-old will be judging this year’s contestants alongside Paul.

Sharing his thoughts on the newcomer, Paul told Radio Times how each person he’s worked alongside has varied from one another.

He remarked that Mary Berry was different from Prue and Prue was different to Nigella before adding ‘Nigella is different to Mary’. Admitting how each of them brought their ‘own character’ to the programme, he highlighted that Nigella is a ‘very warm’ person, especially to the contestants taking part in the competition.

However, Paul commented that he’s the ‘constant’ as he remains the ‘constructively critical’ judge. Although people are welcoming a new face to the tent, presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding are returning as hosts once again.

Channel 4 viewers were treated to a glimpse of Nigella in the iconic tent during a brief teaser clip revealing the show’s return date. She walked towards the camera in a purple jumpsuit before playfully pretending to tuck into the lens as though it was a sweet treat.

When it was announced that Nigella was joining the Channel 4 show, she had nothing but excitement. Nigella commented: “I’m uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now!

“Of course, it’s daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I’m also bubbling with excitement.

“The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it.

“I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come. I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!”

The series is hosted by BBC Silent Witness expert Jo Millington

True crime fans do not want to miss a brand new chilling documentary series, plunging viewers into the heart of a crime, and it’s coming sooner than you think.

UK Forensic Breakthroughs is a brand new release, dropping today (September 22) on the True Crime channel. Spanning across 10 episodes, each instalment will focus on its own murder case where scientific breakthroughs and microscopic evidence secured justice for grieving families.

From the murder of a Witney local, whose investigation was the first time in the UK fibre mapping technique was used, and the conviction of a serial arsonist in Cornwall, forensic scientist Jo Millington will give exclusive access to the experts behind the investigations.

Jo Millington has been a forensic scientist for over 30 years, even working behind the scenes on BBC’s Silent Witness. An official synopsis teases: “A rare in-depth dive into the unseen world of forensic science – from ballistics and fibre analysis to forensic ecology and fire investigation. Firsthand testimony from detectives and leading forensic experts directly involved in the cases.

“Ten real UK murder cases where scientific breakthroughs and microscopic evidence secured justice for grieving family, friends and all those impacted by the crime.”

Premiering at 10pm tonight on the True Crime channel, the series will show how forensic science continues to shape major criminal investigations across the UK.

Speaking exclusively to Reach ahead of the show’s new launch, Jo Millington said UK Forensic Breakthroughs stands out from other crime shows, adding: “The first difference is that it puts forensic science at the heart of the show, which normally sits on the periphery in the shadow.

“Over a 10 part series, we’re using the programme to kind of assure a spotlight on forensic science. And more importantly, the scientists that do forensic science, every single day.”

Giving unprecedented access into the world of a forensic scientist, dubbed the “unsung heroes of investigations”, tonight’s episode will explore the story of Edwin Hiles who was found murdered in his own home, but a pioneering fibre mapping technique was used to link one suspect to the crime.

With episodes released weekly, one particular instalment viewers do not want to miss is episode 8 where teams take a deep dive into the world of forensic archaeology and forensic anthropology.

Jo added: “The teamwork that was involved in recovering Natalia Doherty’s body from a clandestine burial site is one of the most painstaking tasks that I have encountered in forensic science.

“Every layer of soil, every root system, and every fragment of evidence had the potential to reveal how her grave had been created, when it was dug and whether it had been disturbed over time.

“Caroline Sims’ archaeology team worked centimetre by centimetre – to record the grave’s construction, the position of the remains and to methodically recover every item from within it.

“Their meticulous approach ensured that the burial itself became evidence, allowing detectives to understand not only where Natalia had been hidden, but how her body had been concealed for so many years.”

TRUE CRIME is available on Sky, Virgin Media, Freeview, Freesat and Freely as well as for streaming via TRUE CRIME UK (FAST), accessible on platforms including Prime Video, Rakuten TV, Pluto TV, Plex, LG Channels, Samsung TV Plus, ITVX and 5.

UK Forensic Breakthroughs premiers tonight at 9pm on True Crime

“High-stakes” psychological thriller American Hostage has finally landed on Prime Video.

American Hostage is the “harrowing” drama fans have been waiting for starring Mad Men and Land Man icon Jon Hamm.

Prime Video released the intense eight-part series that tells of a “high-stakes” kidnapping in 1970s Indianapolis on on Sunday (September 20).

A beloved radio reporter is thrown into a “life or death crisis” when a kidnapper, who continues to point a shotgun at his hostage, demands to speak to him live on air.

With listeners intensely tuning in to their ongoing conversation, the pressure is on as the radio presenter must try to talk down the kidnapper before it’s too late.

Is American Hostage based on a true story?

What makes this new Prime Video drama even more exciting is the fact that it is based on a real-life story.

The radio reporter in question is Fred Heckman (played by Jon Hamm) with American Hostage telling his “harrowing true story” of what happened between him and kidnapper Tony Kiritsis (Giovanni Ribisi).

In real-life, Kiritsis’ victim Richard Hall was an executive at Meridian Mortgage Co which loaned him money three years prior to buy land and set up a shopping centre.

Kiritsis claimed that Meridian steered shops and business owners away from the centre, so he was confronted with the prospect of closing down and forced to default on the loan.

In an act of revenge, Kiritsis took Hall as his hostage and tied a wire around his neck attached to a shotgun that would go off if he made any sudden movements.

Kiritsis then stated that the only person he would talk to was radio personality Fred Heckman of WIBC so he could vent his feelings about Meridian live on air.

He released Hall on February 10, 1977, after holding him hostage for 63 hours.

Kiritsis was charged with kidnapping, armed extortion and armed robbery but was acquitted by reason of insanity and spent the next decade in psychiatric care.

American Hostage is based on the first season of the scripted podcast of the same name from Shawn Christensen and brought to life for the small screen by Netflix ’s The Night Agent creator Shawn Ryan.

American Hostage is available to watch on Prime Video

AN emotional Celine Dion has been hailed a ‘true fighter’ as she sobbed through her return to stage after her battle with stiff-person syndrome.

The singer, 58, who was diagnosed with the rare autoimmune neurological disorder in 2022, is performing at the Plenitude Arena in Nanterre, west of Paris, tonight.

According to Patient Info, SPS “is a very rare, long-term condition that causes painful muscle spasms and debilitating muscle stiffness”.

When she revealed her diagnosis, Celine cancelled all of her tour dates for 2023 and 2024, but in March this year it was reported that she was going to return to stage for her first tour in six years.

Talking to her fans at the venue, which has a capacity of 40,000, Celine said: “I had promised myself not to cry.

“I don’t keep my promises. But I’m so happy to see you all.

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“I missed you. I’m going to sing like you without crying.”

Many rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their love and support towards the star.

One said: “You really did it Celine Dion! Thank you for coming back, you did better than ever legend.”

“What a come back! Celine Dion in Paris – powerful, emotional and simply unforgettable. A true legend,” another wrote.

A third added: “The best to ever do it has returned! Great to see Celine back after so many health challenges and she still sounds amazing.”

A fourth chimed in: “I admire her strength, her courage and her incredible talent.”

A fifth said: “So happy for Celine Dion. All she wanted is go back on stage. She did it. What a fighter!”

Celine will be performing another 25 shows at the arena.

Her last date this year is October 17, and then she will return next year in May for her remaining gigs.

It comes after she made her made her first public performance after revealing she is living with SPS when she closed the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris for the 2024 Olympics.

Some of Celine’s songs include My Heart Will Go On, The Power of Love and All By Myself.