Burke advises X Factor hopefuls to 'be yourself'

Alexandra Burke has advised X Factor contestants to be themselves.

The 'All Night Long' singer won the 2008 series and is on course to score her third number one single with new release 'Start Without You' this week.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast, Burke said that the best advice she could give was to "always be yourself".

"I think it's very important to go on these shows and not try to be someone else," she said. "Because the judges will clearly see through that."

Burke also said that she is "absolutely" able to "speak up" for herself when it comes to her career.

"I mean, that's just because I know what I want," she told presenters Bill Turnbull and Sian Williams. "And I've always known what I wanted. Also it's a matter of being able to speak up for yourself and saying, 'Look, I want to do this'."

She added: "It's great that we were already on the same page."

Earlier this week, Burke announced that she will begin her first UK tour next year.

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