She might have fought her way to tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing final – but Alexandra Burke has certainly been given a tough time by critics along the way.
The celebrity dancer has been plagued by rumours she’s been fighting like cat and dog with professional partner Gorka Marquez, as well as claims that she’s a ‘diva’ and hard to work with.
But Gorka has finally broken his silence over working with Alexandra – and his revelations might surprise you…
Read more: further details emerge about Strictly star’s “final-threatening” illness
“It’s been incredible to work with Alexandra,” he told journalists at a pre-final Strictly press conference.
“I have been loving every day in rehearsals with her.”
Well that certainly sounds better than people have made out…
Gorka then continued: “Last year was my first year on Strictly and I was out very soon. This year, the whole experience has been incredible for me and it’s all thanks to her.
“She comes every day and gives her best. She makes my job so easy and enjoyable and I love it. It’s sad that there’s not long left for everyone. Thank you to Alexandra because she has been the best.”
The professional dancer then added that Alexandra has defied his expectations of how good a dancer she would be, and that she has made him the proudest man he could be. Aww.
And despite claims eye witness have seen Alexandra bossing Gorka around backstage at the show, the celebrity finalist only had nice words to say about her partner.
She describes Gorka as her “rock” and revealed that he’s helped her through difficult times following the recent death of her beloved mother.
She revealed, “I was going through so much of course as soon as we started.
Read more: Viewers in stitches as GMB’s Strictly stunt goes hilariously wrong
“It was a very hard time for me. And to have this as a distraction has been amazing – something I have been able to focus on and get the most amazing friendship with Gorka.
“I don’t want this to end. I’m trying my best to be like, ‘This is not the end, this is not the last time I will see Gorka’. And it isn’t. We’ve arranged to go out next week.
“I’ve loved every single moment on Strictly and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Watch Alexandra battle it out against Gemma Atkinson, Debbie McGee and Joe McFadden in the Strictly Come Dancing final tonight, on BBC One at 6.30pm