Alexandra Burke was battling a "mystery illness" while doing 'Strictly Come Dancing' last year.

Alexandra Burke

Alexandra Burke

The 'Bad Boys' hitmaker narrowly missed out on the show's famous glitterball trophy after Joe McFadden was crowned the winner but, despite how far she came in the competition, the brunette beauty has admitted it was "bloody difficult" because she was really unwell.

She told the HuffPost: "I'm not going to lie to you - it was bloody difficult. I was in the studio every single day while doing 'Strictly', and I had to stop towards the end because I got really, really sick during the last three weeks of 'Strictly', which I didn't tell anyone about."

The illness got so bad that the 29-year-old singer had to put her new album 'The Truth Is' on hold, but she has since recovered and is now busy promoting the record around the UK.

She's also celebrating her engagement as her partner Josh Ginnelly popped the question during a romantic trip to Paris, France, just days after the ballroom and latin show ended.

She wrote on Instagram at the time: "18-12- 17. I said YES! Smiling as I type this because it was the best day ever in Paris and so unexpected.

"My soul mate and my love asked me something that I could only have dreamt of. Being in love is one of the most magical feelings life has to offer. So grateful for this amazing man in my life who has supported my family and I through so much. We decided to keep this between us for a while to enjoy this special moment and that's why we haven't said anything. (sic)"


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