Alesha: “I like my body more since I had my daughter”
BGT judge and pop star Alesha Dixon tells Closer’s Lily Smith about finding happiness and how her daughter is her secret to self-belief
he’s the gorgeous Britain’s S Got Talent judge who balances a successful career with a happy home life as mum to four-yearold daughter Azura, with her partner of seven years, Azuka Ononye.
But while she’s all smiles when we meet for Closer’s interview, Alesha Dixon – who celebrates her 40th birthday in October – admits it’s taken her many years to reach this level of happiness.
She reveals, “It takes a long time to learn to love yourself. I always believe that the reason we’re here is to learn and grow. My 20s were very up and down emotionally. I had some of the lowest times and I didn’t have any sense of calm or any routine. I was here, there and everywhere, and the lack of structure or knowing what was going to happen got to me.
“I went on a journey to love myself – but I feel more relaxed and happier in myself then I ever have been. That’s the great news about getting older, I’m more laid-back now.”
SHOWBIZ START
Alesha rose to fame in girl band Misteeq in the early 2000s and, while she’s now a renowned TV star, the mum-of-one had a rocky entrance into showbiz.
After a successful four years, Misteeq called it quits in 2005 and Alesha embarked on a solo career. But just a year later, she was dropped by her record label after her singles failed to reach the Top 10.
In the same year, Alesha’s private life took a hit when she filed for divorce from her So Solid Crew rap star husband MC Harvey after it was revealed he cheated on her with Popstars: The Rivals singer Javine Hylton.
After hitting rock bottom, Alesha bounced back and began to carve out a killer career, winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, going on to enjoy a stint as a Strictly judge, achieving solo success with a platinum album and a BRIT nomination, and then joining the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel.
She says, “I’m completely content now – I love being a mum and I have a routine and a structure to my work. I’m super busy and, sometimes, wish I had more time to catch up with my friends and more time for myself, but I love it.”
And Alesha’s positive attitude is also extended to her own
With long-term body image. partner Azuka
and She works out daughter
Azura with a personal trainer three times a week and does HIIT (high-intensity interval training) classes, but is careful not to deprive herself.
MORE CHILDREN
She says, “I work out and I eat well, but I don’t beat myself up for eating things that I want. Mccoys crisps are my downfall. I can eat packet after packet! I like my body more than ever since I had my daughter. It isn’t as toned as it once was and I have cellulite, but I feel more of a woman now than I did in my 20s.”
Since becoming a mum in 2013, Alesha says she loves the whirlwind of family life and is keen to add to her brood. But she jokes that she and Azuka, 34, sometimes feel clueless when it comes to parenthood.
She laughs, “Azuka and I will look at each other sometimes and say, ‘We have a child. We’re parents!’ We still can’t believe it and we don’t know what we’re doing, but it’s amazing. It’s the most disruptive, crazy thing but we’re having fun.
“I do want more children – I would love for Azura to have siblings. Honestly,
‘I’d love more kids, but I don’t know if it’ll happen’
though, I don’t know if it’s going to happen. I’m going to go with the flow and see what ends up happening.”
Having a daughter has also fuelled Alesha’s decision to front Always’ latest campaign, which looks to help British schoolgirls who miss school because they can’t afford sanitary protection.
She says, “I’m all about championing confidence in girls. I want Azura to be a well-rounded, confident and kind girl. Confidence in herself and being kind are most important. I just hope to educate her and make her proud of who she
is. I want all girls to be fearless.”