Singer Alexander Burke has taken to twitter to announce the passing away of her Soul II Soul singer mother, Melissa Bell.

According to a family statement shared by the former Xfactor winner and strictly come dancing contestant, Melissa is said to have died yesterday after a nine year long battle with Kidney failure due to diabetes.
Paying tribute to the Soul singer, the family said, “Ms Bell was a beautiful, funny and loving mum”. They also added that they “will never forget her unconditional love, support, charisma, strength and courage throughout her life.”

pic.twitter.com/cn8l4ovmRQ

— Alexandra Burke (@alexandramusic) August 29, 2017

Ms Bell was a member of the Grammy-winning group, Soul II Soul and was a source of inspiration for her super talented singer daughter Alexander who won Xfactor in 2008.

Alex using twitter went on to say, “Mummy has always been my biggest supporter and was over the moon when I told her I was doing Strictly. It was always a dream of hers that I would one day be part of the show and I know that she would have wanted me to carry on xx”

The family also went on to ask for privacy at this difficult period.

Our hearts are with Ms Burke.

xx pic.twitter.com/blNDNKIm5b

— Alexandra Burke (@alexandramusic) August 29, 2017