Alexandra Burke has revealed she postponed her wedding plans to fiancé Darren Randolph because her recent role as Chaka Khan in the musical I'm Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical left her with 'zero capacity mentally for much else'.
The singer and actress, who has two young children with former footballer Darren, said the 10-week stint at the Troubadour theatre was 'the most taxing emotionally and mentally that I've ever taken on'.
A 'role of a lifetime' that took a toll
'What I struggled with was taking her home. I was living, eating and breathing Chaka Khan so I had zero capacity mentally for much else,' Alexandra explained.
'That role was probably the most taxing emotionally and mentally that I've ever taken on. A real learning curve for me as an actress trying to leave her in the theatre rather than take her home.
'It's all I've known since January so I had to put my own stuff on hold simply because it was a lot. It was the role of a lifetime and it just was a lot for me to take on.'
The musical documents Chaka's life, from her career to personal tribulations such as addiction and how she overcame obstacles with resilience. Alexandra said it was 'daunting' to have Chaka herself watching from the audience.
Wedding plans put on pause
Alexandra, who got engaged to Darren in 2024, said she told him: 'I can't plan a wedding and play Chaka Khan; I'm struggling.' He replied: 'Babe, just put it on pause for now then.'
She confirmed the wedding 'plans are there' and will resume in 2027. After that, she hopes to expand their family, saying: 'I want more children, I want it all.'
Health awareness and motherhood
Through working with tombola and Breast Cancer Now, Alexandra was shocked to learn that 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. 'Men should be checking themselves as well,' she implored.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star added: 'When my mum suddenly passed at such a tender age, that was a massive wake-up call for me in terms of my health. Since becoming a mum and knowing I want to be around as long as I can for my children, that for me was my biggest thing.'
It has been 18 years since Alexandra won The X Factor, and she recently enjoyed a 'lovely' reunion with Simon Cowell. She said of the show: 'I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for a show like that. For me, there's always room [for a show like X Factor]. It allowed me to have a career.'
