Alexandra Burke has admitted that she could not have won this year’s X Factor, as she would have been too intimidated by the large audience.

The winner of last years series told The Mirror: “I would never have won with the new format. God, it’s scary performing in front of Simon [Cowell] full stop.

“But to perform in front of thousands of people who will judge you – because sometimes they boo, or they laugh, or even cry – is so scary.”

She added: “You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. To only have four judges to deal with is better.

“For those that have gone out there and done it, it shows guts and courage. I look up to them because I don’t know if I could have done it and won.”