“When I get a laugh, it takes me aback,” confesses singer Alexandra Burke of her role as Deloris in the comedy musical Sister Act which comes to Cardiff next week.

“Acting was something I did many years ago. Now I’m a singer first and foremost but to do acting now is such a blessing.”

Based on the movie starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith, Sister Act is directed by Craig Revel Horwood and tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found, a convent. Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

Former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke recently starred as Rachel Marron in the national tour of The Bodyguard, a part she also played in the West End.

The singer, whose debut hit Hallelujah reached number one, was surprised when she was chosen to play Deloris in Sister Act as she tells Andy Howells: “I’m definitely not a comedian but I try my best to give 100 per cent in the role. When I finished The Bodyguard, I was meant to do my next album, but Sister Act came along and I never thought I’d be suitable for a comedy but apparently, I am.”

“It’s an actor musician show,” says Alexandra of the show which plays Wales Millennium Centre from April 17, “The actors also act at the same time as playing and singing, so that’s a special thing to come and witness it’s a feel-good show with all-original music, it’s a beautiful show to come and see and be part of.”

Fans also get to hear Alexandra sing in the show and one of her favourite moments is performing the show’s title song, Sister Act. She said: “Deloris realises she needs her sisterhood rather than money, fame and materialistic things, it’s a great point in the show. It’s quite touching.”

Sister Act runs at Wales Millennium Centre from April 17 – 29. For ticket details visit wmc.org.uk