Yahoo News Strictly's Alex says trolls have taken a toll on her
Alexandra Burke has opened up about the abuse she's received online while taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.
The star tragically lost her mother just before the series began and admitted she was in a really difficult place emotionally when rehearsals first started.
Sadly, rumours followed that she was difficult to work with and was feuding with other people on the show, resulting in Twitter trolls targeting her.
Commenting on her ordeal, Alex said: "It would be silly of me to not acknowledge that yes there has been some trolling. We just get on with it really, although it can take its toll mentally – but that's my fault for reading.
"Sometimes, you just can't help but read messages when you've got the apps on your phone like Twitter and Instagram. When it's just there on your phone and a notification pops up, you can't help it."
Alex went on to explain how she has been coping with the negativity online.
She stressed that while she's received her fair share of abuse, there have also been many messages of support.
"At the end of the day, there is just so much more love out there, and I just concentrate on the love and positivity," she said.
"I am such a positive person. I don't care what I am going through. I will find a reason to smile at anything. That's just the way I have been since I was a little girl.
"So the trolls basically can just go away. We're cool right here."
Well said, Alex!
The star's mother Melissa Bell passed away aged 53 on August 28 this year.
She died after a long battle with kidney failure, which was brought on by diabetes.
Paying tribute to her mum, Alex revealed that Strictly was her favourite show on TV and she had signed up to take part for her family.
"I think my mum would be very proud or I hope she would, no I know she would," the star added. "My mum was just the most amazing woman that gave me so much strength – and she still does to this day."
The Strictly Come Dancing final is on BBC One, Saturday December 16 at 6.30pm.
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