“Being a mum is what life is about”

As Britain’s Got Talent returns, judge Alesha Dixon talks fun on set, motherhood and date nights

She’s been sitting on the S judging panel alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and David Walliams since 2012 – and Alesha Dixon says she can’t wait to hit our screens on Britain’s Got Talent later this month.

The 38-year-old tells Closer that she ended up dancing on the desk at the end of the final auditions! She laughs: “I wanted us to go out with a bang, so I just got up on the table – and then Amanda joined me. The audience loved it! It was hilarious. Amanda is probably the wildest out of the judges. She’s a bit naughty and good fun to be around!

REUNITED

“It’s always great to be reunited with the gang. Because we’ve worked together for so long, they’re like family and it’s like being back at school. We laugh a lot.”

And her own three-year-old daughter, Azura, and Simon Cowell’s son Eric, also three, have become pals too.

“They’re often around each other because we take our children into work some days,” says Alesha, who’s launching her S/S17 fashion collection for online fashion brand Little Black Dress.

“They really get on and, last time he saw her, Eric brought her She’s launched a new fashion in some toys to play

collection with and a new book. He is very sweet, just like his dad.

“I know Simon has a reputation as ‘Mr Nasty’ as a judge, but he’s the opposite. He is a lovely man. I love watching the way he is with the audience and children. He has such a charming way with people and really cares about them.”

FAMILY FIRST

Despite being busier than ever, her family are always a priority. In 2014, Alesha had her daughter Azura with her boyfriend, dancer Azuka Ononye, 36, and she admits she hates being apart from them both when she has to work. She says: “It kills me being away from Azura. I hate it even if I get the odd day of not being able to take her to school. Being a mum has really changed me and is one of the most joyful things I’ve ever experienced – it’s also the most challenging! But I love it and that’s what life is about.

“Azura is wonderful – she’s really funny and coming out of herself. Three years old is the best age.”

Alesha also makes sure she sets aside time for Azuka, her partner of five years.

She says: “We do manage to have date nights. We’re both foodies and like to go out to try great new restaurants. It’s important to be a couple and not just Mummy and Daddy. My family means the world to me.”