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Alexandra Burke's mum has launched an astonishing swipe at her daughter, saying: "She's not even a success yet."

Melissa Bell, a singer with Eighties group Soul II Soul - spoke out just days after X Factor winner Alexandra, 21, attacked her in an interview.

Alexandra claimed Melissa was filled with jealousy after Alexandra won the ITV show and then went on to have a Christmas No1 with Hallelujah, her only hit so far.

But seriously-ill Melissa, 45, said the hurtful accusations are totally untrue.

"It's all very upsetting," she told the Sunday Mirror. "And she's not even a success herself yet. I hope she is, but we don't even know how her follow-up single is going to do."

Melissa, who suffers from kidney disease, has also rubbished Alexandra's claim that she was kicked out of home at 16.

She added: "I have certain rules. In Caribbean families you have to respect your parents. She needed to experience life, to see if the grass is greener - and she did. I don't know where she went but the door was always open."

Soul II Soul had a British No 1 with Keep On Moving in 1989. They were also a huge success in America, where they won a Grammy Award.

But last week Alexandra claimed mum Melissa, now living on benefits in a council house in North London, was finding it hard in her shadow.

In the interview with Marie Claire magazine, Alexandra said: "Soul II Soul didn't last as long as she wanted. Then I get this big new show, I win it and it's weird for her."

But Alex's mum said all she wants is her daughter to be successful.

She said: "What type of mum is jealous of her daughter? She doesn't have millions but when she does she'll look after me. If she gets the best then I get the best and getting my life-saving treatment - that's my priority."

Melissa says she thinks Alexandra did the interview to sell more copies of her new single The Man For Me.

She said: "It's upsetting. I think her PR people are responsible. It's about getting sympathy votes."