Alexandra Burke's Simon surprise

LONDON: Alexandra Burke is always surprised when Simon Cowell telephones her, even though she is signed to his record company.

Alexandra Burke still gets shocked when Simon Cowell calls her.

The 'Bad Boys' singer - who won last year's 'X Factor' - admits she gets nervous every time she speaks to the music mogul even though she is signed to his record label.

She said: "Simon is the nicest man on Earth! He rings me, and I'm like, 'You're Simon Cowell - why are you ringing my phone?' I still get nervous speaking to him."

Alexandra - who is still good friends with her 'X Factor' mentor Cheryl Cole - also revealed she is keen to start a family before she turns 30.

The 21-year-old star told Britain's Marie Claire magazine: "I want kids before I'm 30. Cheryl advised me to be wary who I'm dating, or if I'm going to be in a relationship.

"I go for the older man because I think they are more mature and because I don't have the brain of a 21-year-old. I just want someone who makes me happy. I do love 'love', that's why I've had it tattooed on my neck - it's written with the 'o' as the peace sign. My phrase is 'Peace and Love.' "