Alesha Dixon: With age comes wisdom…
BGT judge Alesha Dixon talks turning 40, motherhood and the secret behind her ever-youthful looks…
Britain’s Got Talent is back, and Alesha Dixon, 38, is thrilled to be lighting up our Saturday nights again alongside Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Simon Cowell.
Here, she talks about the buzz of finding acts, and spending time with her three-year-old daughter, Azura. You lot look like you’re having a ball already! How
does it feel to be back working with Simon, David and Amanda?
Amazing! We’re all so relaxed, and the jokey banter we have now just makes it such a laugh. Everybody is really laid-back, everyone’s always laughing and it’s completely genuine. It’s definitely not put on!
How would you describe this year’s series?
I actually think the more [series] we do, the harder it gets. The audience is more knowledgeable and the contestants are under more pressure to really impress us. The contestants watch it every year, and they know what the standard is. They know they can’t come out saying, ‘ We’re different’ unless what they’re doing is different.
Is it hard being tough on contestants who, well… aren’t very good?!
I like to be honest and constructive without being mean. I always want the best for the acts, and I try to see the best in everyone. Unfortunately, some people just aren’t going to inspire or move you.
We’ve heard there are some very emotional acts this year…
There are some really tearful moments, as well as barking mad ones! BGT delivers a mixture of everything. One of the acts comprises relatives of missing loved ones… What I love is that BGT can be a platform to raise awareness. Look at Jack Carroll [a contestant with cerebral palsy], who changed people’s perceptions and inspired others. I love the fact the show is multicultural, but you can have a laugh, too.
You’ve lost your temper with Simon a few times this year. Why’s that? There isn’t a day that goes past without Simon meowing or making cat noises. It’s his own little joke that only he’s in on, and only he finds funny. But the most annoying thing about it is that you’re trying to concentrate, and all you can hear is him meowing. If I’m in a childish mood, then I’ll bite back and start doing something, like woofing. It’s like we’ve reverted back to being children, and I feel so sorry for the producers at that point! Amanda and I can’t say one thing to a female without him making a meowing noise – it’s so annoying, and needs to stop. That, along with the ‘Big, fat yes’ contestants, needs to go! If I hear, ‘It’s a big, fat yes from me’ one more time, I’m going to scream! Can we try a different type of yes? Maybe a big, juicy yes!
What’s David getting up to this year?
I thought he’d done everything outrageous that he possibly could, but he did something this year, and I’ll be very interested to see if it makes the edit. It was a new level of shock, and I hope it does! I have to say, it takes a lot to surprise me, and even I was surprised…
Does Simon wind Amanda up much this year? We know he’s posted things on Twitter before…!
Oh, he’s always winding her up, but she’s got off lightly so far this year, I reckon…
You took Azura on set recently, and she tried out the judges’ chairs. Was that a fun day?
It was really cute. Azura now understands what the show is, she knows everyone and she gets it. Maybe next year, when she’s older, I’ll take her to watch an audition. She hasn’t yet, because it would be too loud for her.
So do you think you know who’ll win?
No, but I think it could be one of our Golden Buzzer acts. Amanda keeps asking Simon what we get if we win!
Do you get excited about the live shows?
I love the fact we have them every night, as it keeps the momentum going. They work brilliantly, and it means that all of us can juggle other projects we are working on.
Are you constantly busy? You have a fashion range out, and you’re often writing material for the music studio...
I get bursts when I’m busy, then it’s downtime at home, but I like the balance. I like to keep things interesting.
Is it fun deciding what dresses to wear at the live shows?
I love getting together with the glam squad and working out a theme. You can have fun with fashion – everyone has different opinions. If we didn’t, we’d all be walking around the same. That’s how fashion should be, though.
You look amazing! Have you been doing anything differently?
Nope – it’s everything in moderation and having a balanced outlook on life. I want to enjoy life, as nothing is guaranteed.
How do you feel about turning 40 next year?
As we get older, we become wiser, learn something about ourselves and become more chilled. We can’t avoid it, so we may as well embrace it!
Will you have more kids or tie the knot with your partner Azuka Ononye?
I don’t honestly know. Really. I’ll let you know when I do!
You kept your pregnancy a secret. Did Cheryl do well to keep hers so low-key?
It’s everyone’s own personal decision, isn’t it? It is possible to keep it quiet, but that’s hard, too.
So what’s next? Fancy doing
I’m A Celebrity…? It’s one of those shows I’m a huge fan of. I love it and I vote for the celebrities. Never say never! You don’t know how you’re going to feel in years to come. But right now, it doesn’t appeal to me. I couldn’t think of anything worse than sitting in a jungle and eating balls!
Britain’s Got Talent continues on Saturdays, ITV, 8pm