I feel safer after moving to suburbs, says Alexandra Burke

Alexandra Burke told today how she felt safer after moving from Islington and the youths who made her life hell.

Safer: Alexandra Burke loves her new home

The X Factor winner, 21, was hounded out of her flat near Caledonian Road this year by yobs who abused her and threw rocks. She grew up in the neighbourhood and left family and friends behind when she moved out.

She is now in Barnet and said: "I'm loving it. I'm very, very happy. It was very hard leaving Islington, but you've got to keep moving and get on with it. I'm planning to buy an apartment in the Caledonian Road area and move back eventually. I miss family and friends.

"But in Barnet it's green, it's very quiet and there's never anyone around. I feel much safer there."

Burke spoke at the Quality Street Christmas Caroleoke next to Tower Bridge, where she led the public as they sang Christmas carols. She also backed Simon Cowell's plans to take X Factor to Las Vegas, saying: "It would be amazing."