Strictly: Alexandra Burke and Aston Merrygold set to reignite rivalry

IT LOOKS like former X Factor finalists Alexandra Burke and Aston Merrygold are set for a showdown after the Hallelujah singer was among the final three Strictly contestants to be revealed yesterday.

Alexandra described landing her place on the BBC dance show as a ‘massive dream come true’ as she joined Paul Daniels’ widow Debbie McGee and Paralympian Jonnie Peacock on The One Show sofa for the accouncement last night.

She may have work cut out, however, as her X Factor rival Aston Merrgold is also a contestant and his JLS boyband moves might give him the edge.

Aston, meanwhile, may be looking to redress the balance after losing out to Alexandra in the final of the 2008 ITV singing competition.

But there has already been some controversy over his inclusion because of his dance experience with JLS.

Either way, the bookies like both his and Alexandra’s odds, with Aston leading the X Factor winner at 11/4 and 5/2 respectively, according to William Hill and Betway.

Author: Anna Thomson