Five questions with Alexandra Burke of 'Sister Act'

The X Factor winner and West End star Alexandra Burke caught up with London Theatre Magazine about developing Deloris and appearing on SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Since winning The X Factor in 2008, Alexandra Burke has conquered both the charts and the West End with a string of number one hits and starring theatre roles. She’s now back in the habit, playing Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act at the Dominion Theatre.

Do you view the role of Deloris differently from the last time you played her?

I do actually. I’m definitely playing it differently to what I did eight years ago, simply because I’ve changed as a person – I’m now in my thirties and it’s a very different take on the role. But I’m still having fun and being a bit of a goofball on stage.

What was your stand-out moment from the whole The X Factor experience?

Aside from winning the show, it would probably be when I sang with Beyoncé, because that was just so last-minute and magical. I don’t even know how I pulled myself together to make it happen, but it happened – with a lot of tears! It was such a moment and I still watch it back and am like “Wow!”

You did a great job of interpreting Whitney Houston’s songs in The Bodyguard. Are there any other artists whose back catalogue you’d relish performing?

I’ve always said Tina Turner, as it would be amazing to sing her catalogue – or Donna Summer would be lovely.

You’ve proved yourself a Reality Queen, reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing, being crowned Star Baker on The Great Celebrity Bake Off and winning SAS: Who Dares Wins. Which was the most challenging and would you consider doing I’m a Celebrity?

I’d have to say SAS and it was a dream of mine – don’t ask me why! It was just the most amazing experience, and when I got down to being the last girl left on the course, I just had to do it for the women out there, because there’s still this stigma that women can’t do the course. Listen, I can go backwards out of a helicopter, break my ankle and whatever else I did on SAS, but put me in front of spiders and stuff like that? A big no!

Why should people see Sister Act over another West End show?

First of all, it’s only on until the end of August and once it’s gone, it’s gone! Secondly, we all know that theatre is a great escape, so why not come and see a show that will definitely give you joy and leave you wanting more? The movie is so loved by everyone, but this adaptation is just perfectly written and Alan Menken’s score is beautiful. If you don’t like it, I’ll give you your money back!

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Photo credit: Alexandra Burke in Sister Act. (Photo courtesy of production)