Davina McCall speaks with Alexandra Burke about portraying Chaka Khan in the stage show I’m Every Woman, including the strain of rapid costume changes and the pressure of playing a living figure. Burke describes using a deliberate “de-roling” routine after performances and says parts of the production trigger memories of an abusive relationship she experienced as a teenager; she says she plans to seek therapy once the run ends.
Burke also discusses bereavement, saying her mother died at 53 after strokes and that she regrets returning to work during her mother’s illness, even as she recalls juggling hospital visits with performing. She says grief left her questioning her purpose and that motherhood later gave her renewed motivation. In a separate discussion about mental resilience, Burke says she had PTSD after filming SAS and that the experience changed how she views self-worth and relationships.
On career, she recounts missing an X Factor solo audition and re-entering as “Mother and Daughter” with her mum, and reflects on later success, including early theatre roles. She also shares an anecdote that she says Stevie Wonder once wanted to sign her when she was 12, a decision her mother refused due to her age.
Burke describes serious complications in her second pregnancy, saying she developed pre-eclampsia and delivered early, and speaks about returning to work soon after giving birth because she is self-employed. She also outlines the Melissa Foundation, which she says helps underprivileged children access opportunities at Sylvia Young Theatre School.
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Traumatic. had PTSD after that, right? >> Yeah, 100%.
Burke says the reality programme SAS left her with PTSD, describing the course as traumatic and sleep-depriving, and says she later took on therapy. She also credits the experience with prompting her to reassess relationships and self-worth.
Stevie um loves Mom's Voice. They go to church together and then he wants to sign me at 12. And then my mom wouldn't let him sign me.
Burke recounts an encounter she says took place when she was 12, claiming Stevie Wonder wanted to sign her after hearing her mother sing. She says her mother refused because she was concerned about her age and mental health, and Burke now agrees the decision was right.
I got dragged down those stairs one last time and I walked out barefoot, ran to um um a post, sorry, um telephone box, which no longer run anymore. And I rang my brother David and I said, "Get me home immediately."
Alexandra Burke describes what she says was a turning point in a violent relationship when she was a teenager, recalling being dragged down stairs and fleeing barefoot to call her brother for help. She frames the account as a reason for speaking publicly, saying she hopes it may help others leave abusive situations.
So, I had to deliver a month early. >> Yeah. >> That was very scary.
Burke says she developed pre-eclampsia during her second pregnancy and had to deliver a month early, describing it as frightening and more serious than she realised at the time. She also recalls trying to discharge herself from hospital before losing her vision and being told she had to deliver within 24 hours.
When mom passed, I didn't know why I needed to be here anymore, if I'm honest with you. >> Really? >> Yeah.
Burke says that after her mother died she struggled to see her purpose and questioned why she needed to be alive, telling Davina McCall it was her “truth”. She says having children later gave her “a reason to live” and renewed her drive professionally, and she links that to starting the Melissa Foundation in her mother’s name.
