Alexandra Burke had every reason to celebrate on Saturday evening as she secured the first three tens of Strictly Come Dancing 2017 but the X Factor winner broke down in tears for her late mum as she topped the leaderboard.

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Burke's mother sadly passed away just weeks before the start of the series and encouraged her to continue on and do her best on the show.

"I really wish my mum was here", Burke sobbed, bringing presenter Claudia Winkleman and many of the professional dancers to tears.

Alexandra Burke tears

Viewers at home weren't immune to the emotion of the evening.

https://twitter.com/SheetalParmar/status/919281634058350595

https://twitter.com/amymc83/status/919281586750844928

https://twitter.com/ribbonsofmemory/status/919282055359418368

https://twitter.com/KatieKirkLoves/status/919283098801639427

It appeared as though somebody was chopping onions in households throughout the land.

https://twitter.com/chl_hobbs/status/919281145380040704

https://twitter.com/linoleum_smythe/status/919282806819360768

https://twitter.com/kimcreedpr/status/919281610779918336

https://twitter.com/ekalbs_/status/919281549056577536

They were stunned by Burke's bravery.

https://twitter.com/marialoizouu/status/919281671035383809

https://twitter.com/chickadee13/status/919281392265187329

One former Strictly winner (who did a rather decent jive in week four of the 2016 contest himself) assured her that her mother would be very proud of her indeed.

https://twitter.com/OreOduba/status/919282573448286213

And the viewers at home most definitely agreed.

https://twitter.com/wizardmongeau/status/919282867687034880

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Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC1 on Sunday night at 7.15pm

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