3am: Alex & Ruth's duet in A flat; X-FACTOR PAIR MOVE INTO PENTHOUSE.

Byline: Clemmie Moodie & Danielle Lawler

X-FACTOR champ Alexandra Burke is definitely moving up in the world.

Alex is celebrating her recent pounds 1million record deal and a Christmas No.1 by moving into a penthouse flat - with former show rival and new BFF, Ruth Lorenzo.

The pair plan to see in the new year together at the trendy London riverside apartment, which has a huge plasma screen TV, a wet room and wall-toceiling windows.

But generous Alex, 20, has not just been thinking of herself as she's bought new furniture for the North London home she shared with mum Melissa Bell, a singer with Soul II Soul.

We're told: "Alex isn't ready to live by herself yet. She and Ruth have become firm friends in the past three months. Ruth's been an absolute rock.

"They will look out for one another, and keep each other grounded.

"It's an incredible time for Alex - she's living in the most exciting capital in the world at the most exciting time of her life. The new apartment, which they're currently renting, reflects the lifestyle to which she will soon become accustomed."

As well as finding her dream home, the singer's debut single, Hallelujah, has this week outsold the rest of the Top 20 put together.

X Factor judge Simon Cowell has offered to whisk her off on holiday to Barbados. Last night she said: "This is absolutely crazy, I can't believe it.

"It's been the best week of my life. Simon Cowell has given me a holiday to celebrate and said I can go anywhere in the world.

"I'm bursting with excitement right now, it's incredible.

"But, to be honest, all I want to do is get started on the album."

We can hardly wait for it either...

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KEY MATES Ruth and Alex