Alesha Dixon: ‘It’s like Carry On BGT!’
As Britain’s Got Talent returns to put a muchneeded smile on all our faces, Alesha Dixon gives us the lowdown on what goes on behind the scenes with those mischievous judges
It’s one of the last shows standing, due to the Coronavirus (indeed, live shows will be postponed until later this year), but boy, are we glad to be welcoming back hit ITV show Britain’sGot Talent ! It couldn’t be a better time for some weird, wonderful, heartwarming acts – as well as the usual banter between long-standing judges, BGT creator Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. Here, mum-oftwo Alesha, 41, reveals what we can expect from this ‘old-school’ series.
Hi Alesha, what’s the vibe like on the show this year?
Well, we have quite a long time when we don’t see each other, so when we get back together there’s always a good energy. Good vibes. One of the last days in Manchester was a particularly good day. We had everything. It was like being on an emotional roller coaster. Everyone’s buzzing to be back doing it again. And, you know, it’s the best show on telly, so why wouldn’t we be?
How would you rate the talent this year?
It feels classic, like old-school BGT. They’re just people from everyday life thinking, ‘ Yeah, I’m going to give that a go’. But, for me, the bottom line is always about feeling something. Anything. Whether it’s rolling around laughing, or feeling really moved. They’re the kind of acts that you want. Someone that moves something in you, rather than something just being OK, or a bit average.
Is Simon keeping you on your toes this year?
Yeah, Simon’s producing the show while we’re still doing the auditions, which has been a little bit interesting! It’s quite funny. In the middle of an audition he’s like, ‘So what would you do with this act?’ and you’re like, ‘Give me a minute to think about it, then I’ll come up with an answer’. I feel like he does it with me all the time. I love that he respects my opinion.
You have a soft spot for dance acts. Have any caught your eye this year?
As a fan of dance, I sit there willing a dance act to come
out and smash it.
The way
I measure it is, if I get jealous over the choreography, or I want to join them on stage.
Why do you think it is important that we have this show on TV?
I think it’s a combination of a few things. You know, I could sit with my daughter and my nan, and we can all enjoy the show. From a family point of view, on a Saturday night, it’s so important. And then, obviously going back to the roots and the bones of it, we’re giving the everyday person some inspiration and a platform to change their lives. I love that. When we say, ‘Go for it, you’ve got two minutes to change your life’, we mean it – because that’s what literally happens.
Do you think the show can celebrate its 20th anniversary?
I think it has to, doesn’t it? Would I like to be a part of it? Well, I’ve always said, as long as I’m having fun, then I would love to continue. And, right now, I’m still having fun!
Simon’s mentioned putting more behind-thescenes footage across more digital platforms…
Yeah, we always say there’s another show behind the scenes! It’s like Carry On BGT, and I think it’d be very watchable! We get so many views on YouTube, and that was quite interesting, being in America, as well, because you realise how many Americans are like, ‘Oh, we watch Britain’s Got Talent all the time on YouTube’.
Are you worried what might be revealed – can the judges be pretty naughty backstage?
Touch wood, no. I’d like to think that I wouldn’t do or say anything that I’d be afraid to have out there anyway!
Simon keeps saying that ‘winning is more important than taking part’. Do you agree?
I do. I actually think that if you turn up to the show just for a lovely day out, you’re doing yourself a disservice. I think you’ve got to aim high! If you don’t win, that’s OK; you’re going to learn something, grow as a performer. It’s not so much about, ‘I have to win the show’, as having a winning mindset.
Can you predict a winner this year?
I feel like David’s Golden Buzzer has got a strong chance of winning. For me, they are the heart and soul of this show. Everyone’s going to relate and connect to them, and I’d love for them to go all the way.
Britain’s Got Talent returns to ITV this Saturday, 8pm.