Viv Hardwick puts the questions to Alexandra Burke about returning next week to Newcastle Theatre Royal to star as Deloris Van Cartier in the musical comedy Sister Act

Tell us about Craig Revel Horwood. Is he really nasty enough to make a nun cry?

CRAIG is actually lovely - I get asked this question a lot as I think people think he is Mr Mean but he isn't. He is strict, but only because he wants everyone to be the best they can possibly be. He was brilliant in helping me develop my role as Deloris Van Cartier and I am truly honoured to have been able to have worked with him on such a brilliant and successful show.

What's the best piece of advice CRH or anybody else in the industry has given you?

ALWAYS be true to yourself, do what you love and treat others how you would like to be treated. I am also a firm believer in the famous saying - what is meant for you, will not pass you by.

What attracted you to the role of Deloris Van Cartier and Sister Act?

MY agent called me to tell me about the opportunity. I hadn’t actually seen the film but was, of course, aware that Whoopi Goldberg, who is a big inspiration of mine, played Deloris so I asked for the script to be sent across to me. After five minutes of reading it; I called him back and said put me forward. It is such a fantastic energy-filled show, and Deloris is such a vibrant fun personality with a touch of diva that it was simply an opportunity I couldn’t let pass me by. I was absolutely over the moon when I got the call to say I had been offered the part. Now halfway through our UK tour I can honestly say I am having so much fun playing Deloris, it is a role I can get completely lost in alongside a wonderful cast and crew.

How does the role compare to Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard and what are you proudest of achieving in these two top leading characters?

THEY are both strong female lead shows - it is impossible to compare them really. Playing Whitney Houston was a dream come true for me, performing her songs night in, night out was amazing - I grew up listening to her, so getting to play her was an honour.

The Bodyguard was more music lead, where as Sister Act is more of an acting role. Both of them I have loved, and learnt so much from. It was always on my list of achievements to do theatre; so now being able to say I have two shows under my belt is such an amazing feeling.

What kind of nun would you have made in real life?

I THINK I would have been similar to Deloris Van Cartier without the diva-ishness!

You're now returning to the North-East having played both Sunderland and Newcastle previously. How does theatre up here compare with the other places you've toured?

THE audiences are up there with the best of them - they really get behind you and are very supportive, The people are all so lovely and friendly

I love the story about you singing down the phone to Stevie Wonder can you tell us how it happened and what he said?

STEVIE WONDER was a good friend of my mum - he phoned our house phone one day and I answered. I didn’t actually believe it was him at first and thought it was a joke so cheekily said - okay, if it is really you then sing me a song - and with that he broke out into Isn’t She Lovely. I think my jaw hit the floor. After that he asked me to sing to him which I did. He told my mum he wanted to sign me, but at the time she felt I was too young. Now I am older it is one of the memories I cherish the most - it makes me laugh every time I talk about it, Stevie is such a legend in the world of music and to think about the little me back then questioning him, I just cannot believe I was cheeky enough to do that.

You've now been a contestant and judge on X Factor. Did that make giving hopefuls your views easier or harder?

THAT was one of the most surreal experiences of my life so far. It was less daunting than being up on the stage but I did bring back a lot of memories. That is where it all began for me in 2005 when I didn’t make it through, and then again when I went back in 2008 and won the show. It was brilliant to go back in 2011, only a few years later, and see others at the beginning of their journeys and be able to offer advice and constructive criticism to a person in a position I am so familiar with. I also got the opportunity to mentor Hannah Barrett in 2013 which was an brilliant opportunity and one I loved. I have so much to give back to that show.

You've supported good causes all your career. Is Well Child your current choice and can you tell us a little about it?

WELL Child and Diabetes UK are both charities that are very dear to my heart.

I am in complete support of Well Child and the wonderful work they do for children with serious illnesses, providing them with the support and care they need to enable them to spend time at home with their families and have a sense of normality outside hospital.

Diabetes UK as a charity lies very close to my heart. I continue to support all the work they do and hope to contribute to raising awareness of this horrible condition and measures which can be taken through diet and lifestyle in order to avoid developing this in later life.

Sorry about this, but what's your worst habit (it can be nun-related)...

LIMIT sugar intake - that is something I cannot stress enough, everything in moderation of course, but sugar in excess is so dangerous and people are not aware of this. Diabetes runs in my family, so I have seen first hand what effects a poor diet can have on your health later in life if you do not monitor what you put into your body.

  • Sister Act plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday, June 19 to Saturday, June 24. Tickets are from £19.50. Box Office: http://theatreroyal.co.uk or 08448-112121