Peter Andre defends Alexandra Burke after Strictly Come Dancing backlash

Former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke has had a tough time on Strictly Come Dancing over the last few weeks. Not only has she found herself in the bottom two for two weeks running, Alexandra has received some harsh criticism from online trolls.

Despite tragically losing her mum just days before the Strictly launch show, Alexandra continued on the show to make her proud. Since then a number of news outlets have reported Alexandra to be a 'diva', giving viewers a negative impression of the singer.

Alexandra's friend Peter Andre has now posted a message to remind the public just how great she is.

Sharing a photo of Alexandra and her Strictly partner Gorka Marquez, Peter wrote, '@alexandramusic is one hell of a dancer, a fantastic singer and a great performer. Cut her some slack. Showing your feelings doesn’t make you fake. Sorry just thought I’d say that :) Have a great day.' sic

Peter's supportive message comes after Alexandra felt the need to publicly defend herself earlier this week.

Clearly annoyed at the negativity surrounding her, Alexandra denied any meltdown after the weekend's show.

She wrote, 'Because it’s really hard to read lies. I have to say something... after the show on the weekend I actually WASN’T in the green room. I was in the physio room treating an injury and then went home. NO meltdown... just happy that we made it through another week xx'

Alexandra also posted a message of thanks to her fans, thanking them for their support throughout the competition.

Sharing a photo of herself and Gorka, she wrote, 'Thank you so much to everyone who has supported @gorkamarquez1 & I. Your kind messages mean the world to us ❤. Being in the dance off was horrible but we are so happy to have made it to the semi finals! Can’t wait to dance again on Saturday & continue this amazing journey xxx' sic

With only five pairs left on the popular dancing show, the pressure is heating up, with each celebrity set to perform not one, but two dances on this weekend's show.

Alexandra has revealed to her fans on Twitter just how hard she's finding it learning two dances in a week.

She wrote, 'Literally feeling so broken after today’s rehearsal ... 2 dances and my brain is fried !!! Lol 😂'.

The celebrities still left in the competition include:

Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez

Gemma Atkinson and Aljaz Skorjanec

Mollie King and AJ Pritchard

Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice

Joe McFadden and Katya Jones

The songs and dances for this weekend's semi-final have been revealed. Alexandra and Gorka will perform a Viennese Waltz and a Salsa. Debbie and Giovanni will perform a Jive and a Foxtrot. Gemma and Aljaz will perform a Tango and a Rumba, with Mollie and AJ giving their best Samba and Waltz.

Finally Joe and Katya will be performing an American Smooth and an Argentine Tango.

We can't wait!

The semi-final of Strictly Come Dancing will take place on Saturday and Sunday on BBC.

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