Alexandra Burke’s time as a leading lady in London’s West End is about to come to an end, as ‘The Bodyguard’ musical - featuring the hits of Whitney Houston - is set to close.
The ‘X Factor’ winner took over the leading role in the musical from soul singer Beverley Knight back in June, but due to falling ticket sales the show is now set to lower its curtain for the final time next month.
Alexandra Burke performing earlier this year
A show source told The Sun: “On many nights, less than half of the seats have been sold and the theatre feels empty. The problem is that Bev was incredibly popular with the public - Alex has a great voice but isn’t seen as likeable.”
Alexandra first rose to prominence on the fifth series of ‘X Factor’ when she was crowned champion over acts like JLS and Diana Vickers, thanks in no small part to her emotional duet to Beyoncé, which saw her reduced to tears after they performed ‘Listen’ together.
Since then, she’s topped the UK singles chart three times with her hits 'Hallelujah', ‘Bad Boys’ and ‘Start Without You’, though her time in the West End has been met with a slightly more lukewarm reception.
The source added: “The show is closing next month and will go on a national tour but it’s looking like the producers aren’t going to ask Alex to stay in the role.”
‘The Bodyguard’, based on the 1992 film starring Whitney opposite Kevin Costner, is the latest in a long line of West End shows closing their doors due to falling ticket sales. ‘I Can’t Sing!’ - Harry Hill’s musical based on ‘The X Factor’ - also shut earlier this year, just eight weeks after its debut performance.
How many of these other 'X Factor' winners do you remember..?
