Alexandra Burke looked incredible in an eye-catching orange gown at the after party for new musical Chess on Tuesday evening, in which she plays the character Svetlana. The show is due to open at London's Coliseum theatre on Thursday night and it looked like the Strictly Come Dancing star had a fun time celebrating its launch.
The singer has recently lost a huge two stone on the Slim Fast plan, so it was a big moment for her as she showed off her svelte figure to the world. It has been a tough year for Alexandra, who sadly lost her mother in August last year and has also spoken openly about living with anxiety and panic attacks.
But Tuesday night was a time to shine for Alexandra, and she certainly did that in style. We adore her elegant orange dress by fashion brand House of CB. The Lara Red Bandage one shoulder maxi gown is a glamorous gown, with high leg split, priced just £159 online – not bad for a celebrity outfit.
MORE: Caroline Flack is creating her own fashion collection with River Island
Photo credit: houseofcb.com
Just a day earlier, Alexandra posted a snap on her Instagram page of herself in gym gear and wrote: "Happy Tuesday. Make it a good one." Her fans were quick to wish her luck with her new show, with one saying: "Sing your heart out for your mummy tonight. This show is for her. She would be so proud of you darling!!"
MORE: Meet the milliner responsible for some of the royal family's most iconic hats
Alexandra with her Chess co-star Michael Ball
The star has gone from a size 14-16 to an 8-10 and is a Slim Fast Ambassador. She said of her weight loss: "The weight crept on over time and I was increasingly aware of how I felt in my clothes and when performing on-stage. It took a few moments to really tell myself it was time to do something about it. Flicking through my Ibiza holiday photos last year was a real 'What!?
"You've got to do something about this' moment but the final straw was when the show seamstress made out that it was my microphone that made the dress feel tight and slit the zip on my dress. Girl...then I knew!" Alexandra says losing two stone has made a huge difference to her outlook on life.
Alexandra, who is also busy planning her wedding to fiancé Josh Ginnelly, recently told HELLO! how dancing helps her deal with her mother's death and anxiety. She revealed: "It absolutely helps with my feelings of anxiety. When I was younger, it always made me feel like the world was my oyster and I could accomplish anything – and that's how I felt with Strictly. I like to keep fit and feel good, so I know dancing – and exercise – does that for me, plus it helps with my mental health. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, but if I know I am stressed I will go for a run."
