Inside the head of… Alesha Dixon

Alesha Dixon found fame as part of the R&B trio Mis-Teeq. In 2007 she won ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and went on to become a judge on the show, replacing Arlene Phillips. She left in 2012 to be a judge on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.

What is your earliest memory?

Going to Irish dancing classes in Welwyn Garden City when I was five. I was the only girl there who wasn’t Irish but I loved it. I did a dance routine to the wrong song, fell over and got back up again and still won the competition. That memory set my philosophy for life – you don’t always get it right but you can get up again and still succeed.

In 2007 Alesha Dixon won ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and went on to become a judge on the show

What sort of child were you?

Very energetic and very independent. My mum says I was the kind of child who, if she asked if I wanted help tying my shoelace, I’d say: ‘No, I can do it!’ I was very headstrong.

What is the worst thing anyone has ever said to you?

Growing up I was called racist names, which used to upset me. But thanks to my mum and family, I realised that the issue didn’t lie with me so I was able to find peace and it didn’t bother me any more.

What is your most treasured possession?

A necklace my mum bought me. It has a heart on the end with a lotus flower on it, which symbolises spiritual beauty. Inside the locket is a picture of my mum and my nan. Also the Take That pendant I got in 1992! I wore it to their concert not long ago.

Who would you like to say sorry to and why?

Anyone I’ve said no to on Britain’s Got Talent. It felt like the right decision at the time but it’s never nice saying no to someone.

Tell us a secret about yourself 

I can do sign language. I learned it at school because we had a friend in class who was deaf. I’m trying to teach my daughter [Azura, five] how to do it because Mr Tumble on CBeebies often does a lot of sign language.

What law would you change if you could?

I would make smoking illegal and I would ban the slaughter of animals for food or anything. So I’d close down every factory responsible for either, and make it illegal to smoke or eat meat. Everyone would be fine, trust me!

What is your most unappealing habit?

I have many. For example, when we go out to dinner, I tend to steal bits of food from other people’s plates. And talking a bit in my sleep. I don’t ever shut up!

What is your guilty pleasure?

The Only Way Is Essex. It’s one of those things I watch but think I should probably be doing something else, and then I find myself watching TOWIE back to back.

What’s the worst pain you’ve experienced?

After a foot operation in 2010. It was worse than childbirth. I actually enjoyed labour and had an amazing experience, so that just goes to show how much it hurt. It lasted for months, too.

Who would be your dream dinner date?

That would be with my man [Azuka Ononye] and Michelle and Barack Obama – a nice double date with the Obamas. He is phenomenal and Michelle inspires me.

What song do you want at your funeral?

Diana Ross’s Reach Out And Touch.

What would be your specialist subject on Mastermind?

Friends. Ask me any question about that show and I’ll know the answer. I’m a diehard fan. It’s my little comfort blanket. I’ve watched all the episodes about 100 times. I even got to go to the Friends set once. 

Alesha Dixon is the Rewarding Relationships Ambassador for the NatWest Reward Account

LAST WORD

Last film you saw? 

Hidden Figures had me in tears. It’s unbelievable what those women achieved at Nasa then, and how it was kept so quiet.

Last gig you went to?

Tokio Myers, the Britain’s Got Talent winner. His album is just fantastic and I’m so excited to watch his journey.

Last TV show you loved?

Grey’s Anatomy. It keeps me awake at night. I’m a huge fan of Shonda Rhimes. I love the way she dramatises everything – she has so much humour.

 



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