Alex's secret brother
X Factor favourite mum tells of fling that broke up marriage
X FACTOR star Alexandra Burke has a secret half- brother after her dad cheated on her pregnant mum, the News of the World can reveal.
Alexandra wasn't even born when her father's fling poisoned the marriage and her parents later split up.
Now the 20-year-old singer, a favourite to win the ITV show, refuses to meet or talk about her brother. But mum Melissa Bell, 44, former lead singer with Eighties mega group Soul II Soul, spoke of her joy at her daughter's success and her regrets over the family's troubles.
Melissa, 44, told how Alex's dad David, 50, walked out on his family after his fling, leaving the child's grandad Ivan to raise her for seven years while her mother toured the world.
Speaking exclusively to the News of the World, Melissa recalled: "There were lots of problems in my marriage, but really it was the cheating that killed it.
"Hardly anyone outside the family knows David got the other woman pregnant while I was expecting his second daughter.
Excuses
"When Alex was young she would ask, 'Where's my dad?' And I'd have to come up with excuses.
"But there was never any interest in seeing her half-brother. Alex never asked to meet him.
"She doesn't consider him to be one of her brothers. We don't consider that boy to be a part of our family, or a part of our lives in any way.
"I managed to forgive the cheating that conceived the boy. We stayed together for the sake of our children, but it was an open sore and when Alex was six that was it-we split and he was gone for 14 years.
In that time Alex hardly ever saw her dad, even though he lived just five miles away in Central London.
They finally patched things up at her sister Sheniece's 22nd birthday party where Melissa's kids, including David Jr, 21, and Aaron, 16, collared David and said it was time he came back into their lives.
But Melissa, who married Jamaican-born David when she was just 20, said: "We still don't count the boy as one of David's sons. We don't mention his name though we know it.
"But we don't even know what he looks like, and we've never wanted to know because we have our family and that is that.
"We don't even know if he is alive, where he lives or if he has a family of his own. None of that."
Alex has been reluctant to speak about about her family heartache or her mum's illness-not wanting viewers to vote for her out of sympathy. Melissa is desperately ill with chronic kidney failure brought on by diabetes.
But Melissa revealed how brave Alex offered to risk her own health by donating one of her kidneys to save her. Amazingly, Alexandra's pop star pal Joss Stone has said she too would have a test to see if she could be a donor.
Alex also refused to reveal she is at risk of inheriting the diabetes that nearly killed her mum this summer. Or that her grandmother, Melissa's mum Ivy, died 16 years ago of the same diabetes-induced kidney failure that she may face.
One of Melissa's greatest regrets is that her career meant she never saw her daughter perform live -including when she was on TV show Star For A Night where she sang, aged 12, with Joss.
Alexandra's first live X Factor performance was meant to be the first time her mum would see her perform. But Alex was disappointed again when her mum's kidney problem meant she was rushed to hospital. Melissa said: "When I finally did get to see her perform it was amazing. I was so proud.
"It's overwhelming because Alex is fulfilling her dream and also fulfilling a dream of mine."
Before that, in July, Alexandra had saved her mum's life when she called an ambulance for her after she collapsed at home with kidney trouble. Melissa recalled: "Doctor's said I nearly died. Thank God Alex was home.
"I feel much better now, but I will need a transplant."
This week David said: "I wish Alex the absolute the best. I'm amazed and really proud."
Please note: All comments are moderated.
Tick this box to accept our
TERMS & CONDITIONS
This article has 42 comments
Something has been really bugging me for some time now.... Alexandra Burke is first cousin to my step brother and sisters, their mother (her mum's sister) died a few years ago and I am baffled that you wouldn't get in touch to say hello to your first cousins. They re doing very well for themselves so don't need her money or fame and thats why none would ever mention this. I was great fan of her at one point, now I hope you will one day contact one of them, just to say hello. Money can't buy a new blood family.
By Ricky A.. Posted January 13 2010 at 11:33 AM.
Heyy Guys x
Alexandra You are my Idol Hunns x :)
Luvvin Ya Song Bad Boys x :)
Hope theres a new song !!! x :)
Cate x :)
By Cate x .. Posted November 2 2009 at 5:45 PM.
is me again alex like i said b4 am proud of you so are your familly. keep goinsis love you lots.
By idil.. Posted August 16 2009 at 6:12 PM.
hi alex you have a special talent make sure you keep making cds because the other x factor winners have not very well but anyway you were brillant in belfast and I could to meet your brothers and your cousin and got there signatures. you were brillant on the stage and hope you ahd a good night as much as us and you looked amazing.
By lindsay .. Posted March 19 2009 at 9:45 PM.
I read about your family history and about the purported half brother. Please Alexandra and family accept this boy because he was just born as you were. It's not entirely his fault. Please accept him as one of yours. You never know what the future will bring. God loves everyone unconditionally. Please accept this guy and God will bless you more. Mellissa don't take anger on this innocent boy.
By Patience.. Posted February 12 2009 at 4:17 PM.
My daughter thinks Alex rocks. She loves her so much she has posters of her all around the room, you can barely see the walls now.
Alexandra has a very good voice and is a great romodle to children. (I have to say she is even a little bit better than Leona Lewis, only by that little touch.)
By Lily.. Posted February 10 2009 at 5:18 PM.
ALEX IS GREAT!!!! IM SOO GLAD SHE WON, WHEN THEY ANNOUNCED SHE WON I WAS CRYING, WITH HAPPINESS OF COURSE!!! :D
By Alice.. Posted February 10 2009 at 5:12 PM.
im happy that alexandra won yesssssssssssssss
By ruqiyah.. Posted January 20 2009 at 8:40 PM.
you are the best girl from the singer's
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
By silver.. Posted January 2 2009 at 9:09 PM.
YOU ARE AT AMAZING ALEXANDRA AND I LOVE YOU SO MUCH IT WAS SO GOOD THAT YOU WON'T AND I STILL CAN'T YOU WON
By SHADAIN.. Posted December 22 2008 at 12:07 AM.
I also have an half brother whom i dont know, we we're born 2 weeks apart (yes my dad cheated on my mum too) i know his name and i know where he used to live but i've never seen him.
And I am looking for him because he is FAMILY and i heard through the grapevine that he looked for us once too, its not our fault what our dad did so why should we suffer?
And as for Alex and her family, How do you know that the boy even wants to know you guys?
It would be just as hard for him to step into your pre-made family.
By Kai.. Posted December 15 2008 at 2:13 PM.
I think alex has got every thing to win so i really really hope she win. It will mean a lot to her.take it she came 3 years ago and now she is back .love u alex good luck
xxxx
By mariama.. Posted December 10 2008 at 10:43 PM.
Common people.... are you saying it is her responsibility to go looking for her half brother?
I would expect the dad to be the one trying to bridge the gap between his kids... not Alex? gimme a break!
It is difficult enough that her half brother was chosen by her dad now you guys want to add the responsibility of tracing and playing family on Alex.. like thats what you would do in a heartbeat when you've been through family break up yea?
I would pray that when they finally meet, they can work the issues out and be siblings cos its not their fault but that of their parents but these things take time and people should just back off!!
By ecasfran.. Posted December 9 2008 at 3:58 PM.
go go go go and win my little angle. you are special to me and i cant wait to buy your new song.every time when am watching x vactor you make cries with joy. you are so natural and gifted and i cant see loosing.i will vote for you until the end as you said that you will fight untill the end. you have faith and belive in it god bless you and good luck with all overtaking in years to come. felt like i meet you already and i wish icould.
By lake .. Posted December 8 2008 at 1:38 PM.
Alex really brought tears to my eyes today. Was having my hair done during her pre-semi-final performance when she firstly took my breath away with the Britney Spears song. Then she came back and did that Beyonce number, 'Listen', and i did...to every heart-felt note,and to the other ladies in the salon who were equally mesmorised by her.
Of course i would buy her album!!
Also,have to add...of all the performers they could have invited Miley Siris and Britney Spears? (Don't care if the spelling is wrong.)
Was tonights guest appearance all about how not to do it or what?
By JUNE.. Posted November 30 2008 at 2:04 AM.
i think alex is great
better than all the rest in the competition
and her voice is beautiful and she is a star
alex 2 win
go on alex
were rooting 4 u
XxXx
By charlotte.. Posted November 27 2008 at 8:52 PM.
So what if she has a half brother, i don't care. Everyone should stop judging her on this one thing.
(By the way Alexandra you should win you are the best out of every x factor series, you have a really great voice, luv you.)
By Olivia Pusher.. Posted November 21 2008 at 8:34 PM.
IF YOU DONT HAVE FAMILY THEN WHAT DO YOU HAVE
By DONNA PETTITT.. Posted November 20 2008 at 1:51 PM.
i am alexandra's cousin...let me put the story straight
we dont know this boys name
his address
his whereabouts
or anything about him whatsoever
we only know that he exists and that he is 20 years old
alex is not mean or cocky. alex dont hate him cos SHE DONT KNOW HIM.. you cant hate what you dont know
Please leave her to concentrate on the show and stop judging her based on one article
By nayana burke.. Posted November 19 2008 at 8:59 PM.
Well obviously they don't know where he is as he has a different mother, and their dad left them at that stage. Alex only knew her her dad for a couple of years now, as her parents broke up when she was really young and it seems like her dad is not in touch with the other family as well, so it is his fault not hers. My mum and dad were separated when I was 3, I only met my dad 4 yrs ago, I have a half-brother, who lives with my dad and step-mum. I hardly call them as they've lived their life and I was raised with my sis by my single mum. So my bro has perfect life whilst we had to struggle. I can understand where they're coming from.
By Alia.. Posted November 19 2008 at 8:22 PM.
family? jealous?i dont think so
By ilovealex.. Posted November 19 2008 at 12:28 PM.
i want alex to win. She gotta lota talent!
By sue.. Posted November 18 2008 at 6:15 PM.
Alexandra is a fantastic singer but seems to be too cocky. What if it was her half brother who was on live t.v week after week, would she be claiming him as her brother? God forbid. As a black person myself, i definately would not like to see her win. She appears to be a genuine person on stage but not wanting to meet her half brother. He isn't the reason why he is here, but his father's, neither was she. I wish that you would leave the worries of your father and move on and stop pretending to be what you are not
By anonymous.. Posted November 18 2008 at 4:13 PM.
Hmmm!!! Just suppose Alexandra had met "that boy" and fallen in love - how would any of you explain that it was her half-brother? We all have secrets like this in our family, but if you cut this poor guy out like he has done something wrong, be sure that Karma will come back and bite you on the A**E!! Love Alex's voice, hope she wins now, - family get over the jealousy and give this young man a place in your lives.
By Heather.. Posted November 18 2008 at 2:15 PM.
i agree alexandra is a great star an that girl has alot of talent. i disagree wiv her being betta then leona lewis an that leona is a snob,leona is a great worldwide singer an i dnt think any1 can be as gud as her. but good luck to alexandra
jls to win xxxxxxxxx
By leona daniels.. Posted November 17 2008 at 8:06 PM.
I dont blame the mother for not wanting to know
By lucy evers.. Posted November 17 2008 at 6:15 PM.
I cant believe she is so against her half brother, what has he done to deserve that kind of treatment! wether she acknowledges it or not he is her brother and nothing she says or does will change that? They all need to grow up and accept reality!
By mark.. Posted November 17 2008 at 12:56 PM.
I don't blame Alex for not wanting to meet her half brother, why should she have to suffer for her fathers sins?
Funny what comes out the woodwork when money gets involved.
By Dawn.. Posted November 17 2008 at 8:34 AM.
i wouldn't call leona lewis a snob!
i totally love alex, and her past is her past, i'm sure her mother and alex chose a path which was best for them. alex is amazing, and i hope she wins, she truly deserves to
By julia.. Posted November 16 2008 at 11:17 PM.
I think Alex has a FANTASTIC voice!!!
However reading this article has saddened me. I think its quite nasty to just cut this boy (man) from they're lives completely, What did he do wrong? It was the father that betrayed them all not the child, he is innocent and is also being punished for his fathers crime.........How fair is that?
Not to know where you come from is not a nice feeling and when you realise where you come from and no-one wants to know it's an even worse feeling. Although Alex has a wonderful talent I wonder if she has any compassion? Whether she'll realise her mistake before it's too late
By anon.. Posted November 16 2008 at 8:45 PM.
I don't think any of the so called stars has the 'X' factor, they're all just ordinary wannabees. I'm fed up with all the sob stories and them trying to pull on our heart strings. Get a life and an ordinary job like the rest of us instead of looking for easy money!!!!!
By sandra.. Posted November 16 2008 at 4:47 PM.
plz dont judge alex by the color Britain is multiracial and beleive no petty give her a chance she has talent
By phiri Helen.. Posted November 16 2008 at 3:40 PM.
Honestly? I really don't think we need another Leona Lweis. Come on, she's selling records, but, she is nothing but a snob! I for one, can't stand Lewis. I hope there's dark secrets in her closets.
By Pink Parasol.. Posted November 16 2008 at 3:33 PM.
Honestly? I really don't think we need another Leona Lweis. Come on, she's selling records, but, she is nothing but a snob! I for one, can't stand Lewis. I hope there's dark secrets in her closets.
By Pink Parasol.. Posted November 16 2008 at 3:32 PM.
How selfish and vindictive to dismiss this child as nothing..not his fault re father!!! Disgusted by the attitude and hope they come to their collective senses pdq..considering their mum is ill..surely now is time for unity with ALL the family!!!!
By jenny.. Posted November 16 2008 at 3:05 PM.
Alex is wonderful and the girl definitely has talent. Comparable to Leona, I think there are huge differences. Leona is a mega star and her vocals are extremely incredible. Alex is incredible but at a different level and an all around singer and dancer too. She must be in the final this year and possibly win or be second because of her consistency. I hope people pick the phone and vote as we do not want to see another talent go out. Shame Laura had to go and so did Maria in the other ex-factor, can't remember which year.
Alex and family should allow their brother into their lives. That is a bit harsh to disown him like that. the boy's father made the mistake and not the child. At the end of the day, God is the judge. I think Alex's family is judging the boy for the wrongs he did not commit. Show some love to the boy.
By Ernie .. Posted November 16 2008 at 2:03 PM.
Alex is better than leona lewis hitting high notes and being able to do vocal acrobatics does not define a good singer as everyone tries belting it out. leona is not good at singing low whereas alex is at both singing low and high with good vocal acrobatics depth and control
By james.. Posted November 16 2008 at 12:34 PM.
good luck Alex betrayal can be very distructive - move on rise to the top and enjoy your new found fame. In your own time you will know when you are ready to forgive or not.
By J.. Posted November 16 2008 at 11:57 AM.
I don't think it is fair that Alex's half brother should be prevented from knowing his siblings and cut out of the family. None of this is his fault and it must be just as hard for him too having siblings that don't want to meet him. Regardless of whether they consider him a brother or not, he is blood and that should be thicker than water at the end of the day.
By Jacqui.. Posted November 16 2008 at 10:24 AM.
LOVE YOUR VOICE ALEX, YOU WERE AMAZING LAST NIGHT THE BEST BY FAR. WINNER WINNER WINNER.
By hannah.. Posted November 16 2008 at 9:50 AM.
I can understand wanting your kids to have a better life, but she can hardly just blame the dad for making wrong choices when she chose to put her own career before her kids and let their grandad raise them. If my 12 year old was going to be singing with Joss Stone..or even in a school play I wouldn't be putting my career first, I'd be there. Whether she wins X factor or not, with her voice and looks I'm sure she'll do well anyway.
By Rachel .. Posted November 16 2008 at 9:02 AM.
Alex has a special talent, I wouldnt say she is on the same level as Leona Lewis, but I can definitely say she has the potential to win this competition, her voice is beautiful and she is a star.
I love her attitude and one thing about Alex is that she dance, sing, she has the who package (one thing that I havent seen Leona Lewis do is dance).
I wish her well and every success
By trace.. Posted November 16 2008 at 8:19 AM.