Alexandra Burke revealed on Instagram earlier this week that her mother, former Soul II Soul singer Melissa Bell, had died. Burke confirmed that she is soldiering on as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, the popular British dance contest show.

On Tuesday (Aug. 29), the former X-Factor winner made public that her mother had passed after a lengthy battle with kidney failure from diabetes. Bell sang with Soul II Soul in the 1990s. A post on Burke's Instagram was presented as a statement on behalf of the family,

"It is with the heaviest and saddest of hearts that the family inform you our beautiful, funny and loving mum, Melissa Bell has passed away."

The 53-year-old, from London, passed away on August 28 after a nine-year battle with kidney failure, which was brought on by diabetes. Bell was a lead singer with Soul II Soul from 1993 to 1995, during the famed British band's transitional years following the departure of former lead singer Caron Wheeler.

In announcing Bell's death, Burke also addressed her participation as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. The 29 year old shared that her mother would have wanted her to continue with the show.

"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."

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