Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Alexandra Burke breaks silence on racism claims against show
STRICTLY COME DANCING’S Alexandra Burke has spoken out about claims that Strictly Come Dancing has an issue with racism.
Strictly Come Dancing 2017 Alexandra Burke racism Victoria Derbyshire BBC Gorka
'I think they're harsh' Alexandra Burke dismisses Strictly racism claims
The hitmaker dismissed the suggestions during an appearance on The Victoria Derbyshire Show alongside partner Gorka Marquez earlier today.
The 29-year-old, who is one of the favourites to lift the glitterball trophy, said the accusations were "really harsh”.
It comes after Chizzy Akudolu and Aston Merrygold left the competition early, with the latter sparking a backlash against judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood.
"I don't think that's true at all. Those kinds of accusations against amazing shows like this I think are wrong,” Alexandra commented.
Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Alexandra Burke spoke about racism claims on Victoria Derbyshire today
Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Chizzy Akudolu was the first to get the boot
Those kinds of accusations against amazing shows like this I think are wrong
The X Factor continued: “For a black person who is in the industry, for me I've had a wonderful nine years of being in this industry and hoping to achieve more with hard work and determination.
"I don't think it comes down to colour, I don't see colour when I see music or TV shows. I think that's so important not to see that because at the end of the day we might be all different colours but we're all the same, we're all human.”
Accusations first arose during last year's series when three of the four non-white contestants, Melvin Odoom, Tameka Empson and Naga Munchetty, were voted out by the public in early rounds.
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Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Alexandra Burke performing last weekend
Alexandra’s comments come as she prepares to take on the Quickstep at the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Saturday.
They will dance the routine to The Gold Diggers' Song (We're In The Money) from 42nd Street after a triumphant Argentine Tango saw them pick up 38 points last weekend.
Strictly Come Dancing 2017 continues Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One.