‘Life is about taking risks’
Alesha Dixon and Maya Jama, on being part of music mogul Simon Cowell’s latest TV offering…
Can you describe
Walk The Line? ALESHA, 43: Jeopardy is the best word to describe it because it has that anticipation in each show – what are they going to do? I like that the contestants are driven by a cash prize, but at the heart of it there are also some super-talented individuals.
What is the judging panel’s role? ALESHA: We are there to critique, but also to encourage people to realise that life is too short – you’ve got to go for it. Walk through that fear, walk the line and just trust that you have the talent to go all the way. Life is about taking risks.
How did you first hear about it? MAYA, 27: There was a Zoom call with Simon while I was filming The Crouchy Show (a postmatch party on BBC1). England were playing and I had to dash off to speak to him…
And what are you excited about? MAYA: Everything, really! I remember watching Cher Lloyd on The X Factor (2010) and I was thinking, “This is the ultimate telly show and I can’t wait to one day maybe work on one.”
How is this show different? MAYA: I think it’s the fact that you can have a winner every night. And there’s the guessing – are they going to cash out, or walk the line, maybe scooping £500,000? They’re all really amazing singers as well.
Tell us about the panellists? MAYA: They are all superdifferent and have so much experience. Craig is the R&B guy – but he can also DJ and rap. Alesha was obviously in a girl group and then had a solo career. Dawn is just a queen of everything, and she’s hilarious. Gary doesn’t really need an introduction; he’s King Judge. ALESHA: For me, Dawn is a gem because I have always loved and admired her. Craig is someone I’ve known my whole career, from the beginning of Mis-Teeq. Our paths have always crossed. And Mr Gary Barlow?
ALESHA: I am of course happy to say that Gary Barlow is now my friend! When I was 13 years old and bunking off school to watch Take That perform, who knew all these years later that I would end up being good pals with him? We just crack each other up, we have fun.
What does Maya Jama bring to the contest as host?
ALESHA: I’ve always had good banter with Maya. The first time we met she was a radio host – before she joined Radio 1. She prepared a rap for me and we ended up doing this freestyle thing – it was such a funny little moment. I just love her energy and she’s doing a great job.