Alesha Dixon will return to Strictly Come Dancing for the first time in nine years

Alesha Dixon will return to Strictly Come Dancing for first time in nine years to join the Christmas special

Alesha Dixon is heading back to Strictly Come Dancing.

A new report reveals the 2007 champion and former judge on the BBC show will return for the first time in nine years for its 2020 Christmas special.

Alesha, 42, who quit Strictly in 2012 to take up a judge’s role on ITV rival Britain’s Got Talent, will provide the commentary for the 75-minute special, which will count down the most popular routines in Strictly’s 16-year history.

Dancing queen: Alesha Dixon is heading back to Strictly, providing commentary for the Christmas special, which will count down the most popular routines in the show’s history

The Daily Star report it will be the first time Alesha has contributed to a new Strictly show since she sensationally quit as a judge after just three years. 

She will provide commentary alongside hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the current judges and professional dancers. 

Former contestants Ed Balls, Ore Oduba, Ashley Roberts and Jake Wood will also make an appearance. 

Alesha won Strictly in 2007 with professional partner Matthew Cutler, a feat which launched her now glittering TV career.

She's back! Alesha, 42, who quit Strictly in 2012 to take up a judge's role on ITV rival Britain's Got Talent, will provide commentary alongside hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

She’s back! Alesha, 42, who quit Strictly in 2012 to take up a judge’s role on ITV rival Britain’s Got Talent, will provide commentary alongside hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

Two years later she hit the headlines when she replaced long-standing judge Arlene Phillips. 

But after just three series on the judges table alongside Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, she quit to join Simon Cowell and co on Britain’s Got Talent, a role she has held ever since.

The former Mis-Teeq star also became a judge on America’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2020.

Speaking about how Strictly would always special to her, Alesha said: ‘Winning Strictly Come Dancing changed my life.

‘It came into my life at a time where I needed a lift, I needed something positive. And it really was the tonic that I needed.

Winner: Alesha won Strictly in 2007 with professional partner Matthew Cutler, a feat which launched her now glittering TV career

Winner: Alesha won Strictly in 2007 with professional partner Matthew Cutler, a feat which launched her now glittering TV career

Rising star: Two years later after her win she replaced judge Arlene Phillips, but after just three series sitting alongside Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, she quit

Rising star: Two years later after her win she replaced judge Arlene Phillips, but after just three series sitting alongside Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, she quit

‘For about five years Strictly Come Dancing was a huge part of my life. It was just a wonderful experience that I will hold dear to me for the rest of my life.’ 

As well as the Strictly Christmas Day episode, Alesha will  also appear on ITV, performing a rendition of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ on the Britain’s Got Talent festive special with pianist Tokio Myers.

BGT’s Christmas special will air on Christmas Day from 8pm while Strictly: The Christmas Countdown airs on December 25 at 4.45pm on BBC One. 

TV star: As well as the Strictly Christmas Day episode, Alesha will also appear on ITV, performing 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' on the Britain's Got Talent festive special

TV star: As well as the Strictly Christmas Day episode, Alesha will also appear on ITV, performing ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ on the Britain’s Got Talent festive special

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk