According to an exclusive interview with UK's Mirror mag,The mother of X Factor winner Alexandra Burke is being investigated as a suspected benefits cheat. The claim states that 44 year old Melissa Bell, mother of four ( including 20 year-old Alexandra) and former singer in UK band Soul II Soul, had been getting paid as a singer while claiming benefits worth £17,344 a year. Every venue she has performed at in the last year has been contacted by investigators. The interview states that she first heard of the investigation when she was contacted by The Mirror who sites the impetus for the probe: "bosses at Islington council in North London decided to launch an investigation after Alexandra and her mum are said to have discussed singing publicly together."
Alexandra, 20, clinched the £1million a year X Factor winner’s contract and had a Christmas No 1. Now it is alleged her mother should no longer be claiming full benefits. Melissa, who has severe diabetes, gets a monthly £258 disability living allowance and £124 per week in income support. Her weekly £150 rent and council tax fees are covered by housing benefit.
She vehemently denies the allegations, stating that she is mindful of the rules and when ever she has performed the money has gone to charity. She thinks that these claims are coming about because of her daughter's new found wealth. She says "They think that Alex is supporting me."
If found guilty of the most serious offences, Melissa faces up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine.
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