Pretty Red Dress review – toe-tapping London tale of desire and identity
Peter Bradshaw's film of the week
Pretty Red Dress review – big-hearted music drama dresses to impress
December 2022
Jack and the Beanstalk review – no expense spared for giant all-star entertainment
Dawn French, Julian Clary and the like join an animatronic giant with a vast beanstalk in an innuendo-heavy, story-light show
August 2021
The G2 interview
Alexandra Burke: ‘I got asked to bleach my skin after X Factor’
Her career has taken her from pop success to Strictly and the stage. She discusses the pain of racist comments, the joy of duetting with Beyoncé – and the enduring influence of her late mother
July 2021
The good, the bad and Harry Styles: X Factor’s most memorable entrants
As ITV confirms it has no plans for a new series, we take a look back at some of the characters that the show foisted on the world
March 2021
Meghan and Harry draw praise and vitriol after Oprah Winfrey interview
Analysis: the divides were as deep as they were predictable manifestations of a culture war
June 2020
Alexandra Burke says music industry told her to bleach her skin
Alexandra Burke reveals racism she faced in UK entertainment industry – video
June 2018
Beyoncé: 10 of the best deep cuts, rarities and Bey-sides
As the superstar returns to the UK, here’s a sample of her lesser-known hits, featuring Solange and Dixie Chicks – plus how Lemonade changed the game
May 2018
Chess review – Benny and Björn's cold war musical no match for tiddlywinks
Even Alexandra Burke can’t save this lumbering story told with tracks by the Abba songwriters
March 2018
Names in the news
Too big for her boots? Alexandra Burke’s confidence should be feted
Rebecca Nicholson
Alexandra Burke: The Truth Is review – efficient power balladry with West End touches
January 2018
Selfies! Smoking! Snogging! Why pop stars love a house party
From Beastie Boys to Beyoncé, we explore music videos’ enduring obsession with red cups and riotous shower scenes
December 2017
Strictly Come Dancing and racial prejudice
Strictly crowns Katya Jones and Joe McFadden in a sea of schmaltz
Alexandra Burke and the trouble with reality TV and race
Strictly Come Dancing semi-final results – as it happened
July 2015
Lost in showbiz
Simon Cowell loves his dogs. But does he love his former contestants as much?
The karaoke Sauron is designing helmets to protect Squiddly and Diddly from seagull attacks. But could he apply the same concern to those who have been through his fame mangle?
March 2015
Me and you
Mother and daughter singers Melissa Bell and Alexandra Burke on their special relationship