alexandra burkeCheryl Cole has reportedly urged X Factor winner Alexandra Burke to join her on a weight GAIN diet this new year.

The Girls Aloud star is said to be wanting to gain around half a stone of weight after noticing how skinny she looked on The X Factor final earlier this month - and thinks Alexandra should join her, after the Hallelujah singer dropped from a (UK) size 12 to a size 8 during the run of the talent competition.

A source told the News of the World: “Cheryl has been telling Alex she looks too skinny. She says she can see the weight loss in her face because her cheekbones stick out too much.

“But Alex thinks it’s crazy. She loves Cheryl to pieces but thinks, ‘Look who’s talking’. Alex is very slim, but compared to Cheryl she looks like a giant.”

In related news, Alexandra is reportedly being treated to a luxury holiday by Sony BMG bosses to celebrate her winning the show and landing the Christmas No1 slot.

Her management team at the label, which includes X Factor judge Simon Cowell, have offered Alex a ten day break to wherever she wants to go. She’s said to be currently torn between a stay on Richard Branson’s private Necker Island in the Caribbean or a trip to the Maldives - but either way, will take fellow X Factor contestant and new BFF Ruth Lorenzo with her.

A source told the People newspaper: “Alex and Ruth are over the moon - they can’t wait.

“They’re both very excited about having the chance to relax in the sun for a while. It’s going to be a wonderful experience them. And it will give Alex a chance to recharge her batteries before she throws herself back into work.

“She knows she’s got to commit herself totally to her career in 2009 and has no problems with that. She’s ready for stardom but knows it’s going to be a long haul.”