Anti-zero: the Alexandra technique

She is a bubbly, free-spirited sort and we love her for it. But when it comes to body image, Alexandra Burke is a preacher. Talking exclusively to iVillage.co.uk, she reveals why she hates size zero and believes that girls should embrace their natural shape

Society rages in debate about the effect of the size zero phenomenon on our impressionable youth. And while the pressure to look a certain way is nothing new for women, it's easy to understand how the current trend is a cause for concern.

But how does it feel to be plunged into the celebrity world of diet pills and fad diets - a world where your supposed mentor (Cheryl Cole) is a walking advert for skinniness - and what are the pressures to conform?

'It's hard, I don't want to get into the habit of thinking I need to be a certain shape,' admits Alex, who is by no means a big girl. Her body is in peak condition and there doesn't appear to be a single sign of excess anything in this lady.

She's thin, but she looks healthy, and if you thought the stunning photo on her album cover was airbrushed to perfection, think again. Alexandra Burke's body is hot property! Her long legs are toned and slender and, in any normal context you would think she's about as slim as they come. But in celeb land she's a size or two above average.

'I hate women who are size zero,' she adds; 'It's stupid. No man wants a skinny girl, they want something they can grab. They want a bit of meat on the thighs!' She lets out an earthy laugh and clenches at the air suggestively.

Could Alexandra Burke be the new poster girl for healthy body image? She certainly thinks so! 'I don't see any women out there preaching that and I feel like it's my job.'