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X FACTOR girl Alexandra Burke was last night banned from singing amid fears a bug could RUIN her voice.

Worried doctors said a severe throat infection could cause permanent damage if she ignores their strict order.

The terrified singer was left distraught after specialists ordered her to quit rehearsals for tonight’s live show.

Last night an ITV1 source revealed: “Alexandra’s very emotional.

“She has an extremely sore throat and doctors told her she couldn’t rehearse. It’s been very hard for Alexandra, but she can’t take the chance of ruining her voice.”

Alexandra, 20, from Islington, North London, hopes resting her voice will allow her to make it through tonight’s performance. But she will have to do it WITHOUT any vocal preparation.

It is the latest hurdle for the youngster who failed to make it through to the finals when she first auditioned three years ago. That knockback almost made Alex give up her dream.

This time she is the 3/1 bookies’ favourite to win. Meanwhile Girlband are 2/1 on to be the first to get the boot.