The Sun is reporting today that X Factor winner Alexandra Burke and her – presumably now ex – best friend, Ruth Lorenzo, “had to be pulled apart during a screaming match” on the X Factor live tour which was in Sheffield.

The pair have been inseparable since they both met and starred on the X Factor last year, to the point that they share a flat. However, now it seems that their friendship is well and truly over.

Apparently the row was about a male dancer whom “they both fancied” and who’s on the X Factor Tour with them… Read more & comment »

X Factor winner Alexandra Burke has been hit with more revelations about her family. The Sun claims that Alex’s half-brother is working illegally in Britain as a cleaner earning £6 an hour.

Jamaican Travoir Burke, 28, reportedly works for two hours, five evenings a week as a cleaner in an office block in North London. But a ‘friend’ revealed to the paper: “He’s never had the right visa to work here.” Read more & comment »

Melissa Bell, mother of X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, yesterday wept after being informed that she’s being investigated by a benefits fraud team.

Furious Melissa vowed her innocence and said: “They’re idiots – I’ll sue them!”

The investigation is to discover whether the former soul singer has been getting paid for appearances while claiming state benefits that are apparently worth around £17,344 a year.

According to the Mirror, every venue Melissa has appeared at in the last six months has been or will be contacted by investigators.

The report went on to say that Melissa – who has severe diabetes – gets a monthly income of £258 disability living allowance and £124 per week in income support. Her weekly £150 rent and council tax fees are also paid by housing benefit. Read more & comment »

The Sun is reporting today that Ruth Lorenzo and Alexandra Burke are enjoying fun in the sun on a holiday in Mauritius.

The X Factor winner Alexandra and her best friend Ruth looked relaxed and happy as they swam and sunbathed on the tropical island.

The friends, who struck up a close bond during the X Factor, now share a London home too. Read more & comment »

According to The Sun today, rotund comedian James Corden is trying to win the heart of X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

Apparently, James has given Alex a Cartier watch worth £4,000 and asked her mum, Melissa Bell, to arrange a meeting between them.

Melissa told The Sun, “He is absolutely besotted. It’s a bit full on but Alexandra seems to be taking it in her stride.

“I wish he’d give me a Cartier watch too!”

Another source is quoted in the paper as saying:

“Alexandra is massively flattered and overwhelmed. A gift like that is hard to ignore. Read more & comment »

Last night’s X Factor wrap party was attened by the victorious Alexandra Burke of course who was joined by fellow X Factor contestants Ruth Lorenzo, Austin Drage, Daniel Evans and Diana Vickers for a night of partying at the Movida nightclub in London.

None of the judges attended it seems, but Dermot O’Leary and Holly Willoughby showed up to party, as did Simon Webbe and Danielle Lloyd.

After the glittering bash, Ruth and Alex left arm in arm and headed back to their hotel. Read more & comment »