Alexandra Burke will release her first album in nearly six years as she returns to music after her Strictly Come Dancing stint.

The singer, who won The X Factor 2008, announced that she will also be going on tour across the UK in September.

The new music comes after her mother Melissa Bell’s death in August last year, and after Burke made it to the final of Strictly in December.

Burke, 29, wrote on Twitter: “So excited to finally reveal my new album ‘The Truth Is’, out on March 9th.

“This album is incredibly personal to me, I have poured my heart and soul into my new music!

“I’ll also be going on a UK Tour in September 18!”

Two days before revealing her new album and tour, Burke – who recently became engaged to her partner Joshua Ginnelly – had teased her fans that she had something to share with them.

She wrote: “I’ve got some news to share with you all! After months of keeping quiet, I can reveal all on Friday. So excited…”

Burke’s last album was 2012’s Heartbreak on Hold, which peaked at 18 in the charts and which followed her chart-topping debut Overcome in 2009.

In the years since her second album was released, Burke has appeared on stage in musical versions of The Bodyguard and Sister Act.

Burke is currently embarking on the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, which runs from January 19 until February 11.