I won ITV's biggest competition - if it returns it needs to change

During its early years, The X Factor dominated UK TV ratings, becoming a cultural phenomenon and a launchpad for major music stars. The show consistently drew millions of viewers with its nail-biting auditions and dramatic live performances. However, after more than a decade of success, The X Factor saw a decline in ratings and was eventually axed in 2018, marking the end of an era in British talent shows. But now, more than seven years since we last saw hopeful contestants and four judges, the idea of the show returning has slowly been creeping back into people's minds.

But one thing is for certain: If The X Factor returns, it must evolve. Alexandra Burke opened up about the possibility of the show's return, 17 years on since she was crowned the winner of the ITV competition. Speaking exclusively to Express Online, the singer said: "There have always been rumours about the show returning which is a great thing because people loved the show, it was part of the whole nation's Saturday night plans!

"I have nothing but wonderful things to say about that show, I loved every second of it and it was the launch pad for this wonderful career I've been lucky to have for almost 17 years now.

"If it comes back, I think that's brilliant for all the singers out there who are struggling to find that much-needed platform to be seen and heard. There are less and less tv shows for singers to perform on now and although streaming has made music more accessible it's hard to be noticed and stand out."

Believing the show will need to adapt to fit today's society, the mum-of-two added: "The world has changed since it was last on TV, the way TV is consumed has totally changed too.

"I'm not a producer but I'm sure they'd make the right changes. Nobody could have predicted the success of the show, it just exploded. It was an honour to have been a part of its history."

The star added: "I mean, I got to sing with Beyonce! I still have to pinch myself thinking about that, my life was made.

Alexandra, 37, is leading a campaign with Japanese food brand Yutaka to create the world's first sushi recipe book designed by children,

The campaign aims to encourage more UK families to cook simple, healthy, delicious meals, like sushi, at home. As a mum-of-two, Alexandra opened up about the importance of making mealtimes both fun and important in her household.

Alexandra admitted she had "no hesitation" when it came to fronting the Yutaka campaign.

"My food cupboard at home is always stocked with Yutaka and I'm always looking for ways to encourage my little ones to take an active role in the kitchen, so it just felt authentic to me and I hope it encourages families across the UK to have more fun in the kitchen and try new things," she explained.

"My auntie Sonia is half Chinese, half Jamaican, and she is the one in our family that introduced us to Japanese food and all different cuisines."

Alexandra recalled how her aunt introduced her to new cultures and cuisines early on, taking her to Chinatown for Chinese New Year and insisting she learn to use chopsticks instead of forks.

That experience shaped her belief that it's easier to introduce diverse foods to children when they're young and is one of the reasons she was so eager to join the Yutaka campaign, encouraging kids to get hands-on with sushi in the kitchen.

The recipe book, titled 'Seaweed Sid & The Sushi Squad,' features imaginative, charmingly imperfect sushi designs developed by fourteen children at a creative workshop hosted by Japanese chef Yuki Gomi.