Alesha Anjanette Dixon (born 7 October 1978) [1] is a British pop/R&B singer-songwriter, dancer and model. She first found fame in the all-female R&B trio Mis-Teeq, however she is now a solo artist. Mis-Teeq separated in 2005 and Dixon, signed to polydor, began recording her debut solo album, Fired Up , but due to poor record sales of her first single she parted with her label. [2] Subsequently, Fired Up was not released in most territories, including her native United Kingdom. [3] In 2007 Dixon became a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing and eventually won. Her television exposure gave way to a successful comeback, [4] which included her releasing a second album; The Alesha Show in 2008. It was announced in July 2009 that Dixon is to become a judge on Strictly Come Dancing . [5]

ALESHA DIXON TICKETS Trans-Siberian Orchestra The Eagles Tickets Sebastian Maniscalco Tickets Andrea Bocelli Tickets Rod Wave Tickets Jeff Dunham Tickets

Early life

Dixon was born in Welwyn Garden City, one of seven children born to a British mother, Beverly Harris and Jamaican father, Melvin Dixon. She has five half-brothers called Adrian, Mark, John, Jeroame and Callum and one half-sister called Leyanne. As a child she learnned street dancing and later met future Mis-Teeq bandmate Sabrina Washington whilst taking dance classes. ^[6] She was educated at Monks Walk School, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Her first job was at Ladbrokes, ^[7] although she wanted to become a PE teacher after leaving college. After completing a diploma course in sports studies, she had planned to take up a place at Loughborough University, ^[8] but she was approached on a train by a record producer, who asked her if she could sing, and on the way back home she was approached again by someone who asked if she was in a band. She then decided to put her degree on hold.

Music career

Her career began in 1999 when she met Sabrina Washington when they both joined Dance Attic (a popular hip-hop/jazz dance academy in West London), and together they formed a duo and recorded a demo titled "Inspiration". During an audition, they met with Su-Elise Nash and then together they formed a trio. They were soon signed to Telstar Records with the addition of a new member, Zena McNally, and became the popular UK garage/R&B girl band, Mis-Teeq.

1999-2005: Mis-Teeq

After months of recording throughout 1999 and early 2000, Mis-Teeq released their debut single "Why?" in April 2000, however, it was not long before McNally left the band. ^[9] The band made a decision to remain a trio. In 2001, they released their debut album Lickin' On Both Sides , featuring hits "All I Want", "One Night Stand", "B with Me" and double A-side single "Roll On/This Is How We Do It". In 2002 Mis-Teeq performed and received a nomination at the BRIT Awards in Earls Court, ^[10] later in the year band won the MOBO Award for Best Garage Act. ^[11] After the success of their debut album, 2003 saw Mis-Teeq becoming the faces of JD Sports stores nationwide. ^[12]

In 2003, Mis-teeq released their second album Eye Candy , which included the singles "Scandalous", "Can't Get It Back" and "Style". In 2004, Mis-Teeq toured the United States and released their debut single Scandalous from their American self-titled debut, a compilation of the albums Lickin' On Both Sides and Eye Candy . They also released "One Night Stand" before coming back to Europe to start work with their third album however, Telstar Records went into administration. ^[13] The band was left with no choice but to release a Greatest Hits compilation under exclusive licences with Universal Records.

The last song Dixon recorded with Mis-Teeq was "Shoo Shoo Baby" for the Disney film Valiant . In March 2005, their Greatest Hits compilation was released and it was announced that they were separating to pursue solo careers. ^[14]

2006-2008: Fired Up and record label departure

—

Dixon launched her solo career after Mis-Teeq's disestablishment and signed a £500,000, three-album deal with Polydor Records. She spent a year writing and recording her solo debut album, Fired Up , working with a wide range of producers including Richard X, Xenomania, Johnny Douglas, Brian Higgins, Estelle and Paul Epworth. During this period Dixon performed mononymously, known simply as "Alesha".

In June 2005, she announced her first solo single to be "Superficial". However, at the last minute, the song "Lipstick" was chosen as the first single. ^[16] "Lipstick" was released on 14 August 2006, and charted at 14 on the UK Single Charts. She released her second single "Knockdown" on 30 October 2006, which charted at 25 on the UK Download Chart. However on the official UK Singles Charts, the single peaked at number 45, falling down to 68 the following week.

On 6 November 2006, it was revealed that Dixon had parted company with Polydor Records. Polydor gave her full rights to her unreleased debut album, Fired Up . Her first single from the album, "Lipstick", got to number 1 in Japan's international ringtone chart and number 2 in MTV Japan's hit list. Fired Up was officially released in Japan on 20 February 2008. ^[17]

2008-2009: The Alesha Show

She signed a four-album contract with Asylum Records in 2008. ^[18] Dixon's first new album as part of her contract, The Alesha Show was released in the UK on 24 November 2008 and 21 November in Ireland. The official first single from the album, "The Boy Does Nothing" became her first solo top ten hit ^[19] on the UK Singles Chart, following a 76 spot jump from 84 to 8 on the UK Singles Chart chart on downloads alone. The single eventually peaked at number 5. The song also fared well in continental Europe and is rising on the Australian Singles Chart. The second single from The Alesha Show was "Breathe Slow" and entered the UK Singles Chart at number thirty-nine solely on download sales. ^[20] The single rose for three weeks before breaking into the top ten at number six, giving Dixon her second top ten hit in the UK from downloads alone, and eventually peaked at number 3 on the Top 40 UK Charts, giving Dixon her second consecutive top 5 single. She also put a song up on her website for free download on 19 October 2008 named "Colours of the Rainbow".

Dixon was dubbed the "British Beyoncé" by Strictly Come Dancing host Bruce Forsyth, ^[21] she later said "There's only one Beyoncé. When Bruce says that I get embarrassed. It’s very sweet... but it’s not true." ^[22] Mis-Teeq were often cited as the British equivalent to Destiny's Child; the trio that first gave Beyoncé media attention. ^[23]

She became the supporting act for Enrique Iglesias on his tour of the United Kingdom, which was leaked on the BBC show Something for the Weekend on 9 November 2008. It was announced that Alesha will embark on a 17-date UK tour, beginning on the 20th October, 2009 in Nottingham. The tour will be titled "The Alesha Show"

The third single from The Alesha Show, is titled "Let's Get Excited" it was physically released on 11 May and reached a peak position of 13 in the UK Singles Chart. Alesha broke a Guiness world record for using the biggest amount of backing dancers ever, whilst on Sky1's Guinness World Records Smashed . ^[24] "Let's Get Excited" became Dixon's first track from her sophomore album not to chart inside the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. The song's presence in the charts boosted album sales and The Alesha Show rebounded at a new peak of 11. On 9 June it was announced on Dixon's official website that the album had received platinum certification from BPI, indicating sales of 300,000+. ^[25]

Other ventures

Products and Endorsements

In 2003 whilst with Mis-Teeq, Dixon, Nash and Washington became the nationwide faces of JD Sports. ^[26]

In March 2007, it was announced that Dixon would become the face of the urban clothing brand Ecko Red. ^[27]

In January 2008, less than a month after her profile was raised due to her victory on Strictly Come Dancing , Dixon signed a deal with Ford to endorse the new Ford Focus, an ad campaign featuring her was made, and a track called '4 U I Will' was recorded using real car parts. Dixon said, "When Ford first showed me the original TV ad and the incredible instruments I immediately wanted to get involved." Some of the instruments being used were the Door harp , the Clutch guitar and the Hatchback kick drum , in total 21 parts were taken from the car and transformed into unique looking instruments. ^[28] In February 2008 Dixon fronted a campaign for the Department of Health, promoting safe sex. ^[29] The sum of money she received was never disclosed despite calls to have the sum made public. ^{[30] [31]} Later in 2008 Alesha became the face of a new Veet campaign. ^[32]

In May 2009 Dixon collaborated with clothing label Dune , selling limited edition necklaces, with all the profits being donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust. John Eagen, Dune’s CEO stated that "they are delighted to have Alesha support this cause". The necklace, which consists of three layers of gold, pewter and silver balls, was launched by Dixon to help raise awareness for the charity. ^[33]

In June 2009 Dixon fronted a new campaign for Toblerone chocolate, offering fans a free download of an exclusive new track called "Before the Sun Goes Down". ^[34] Fans were also able to enter a competition to win a pair of VIP tickets to see Dixon in concert and meet her. Jane Furze, Toblerone Marketing Manager said in a statement, "We're delighted to have Alesha on board - she's a great personality and the perfect fit with the brand" ^[35]

Philanthropy

thumb, promoting blood donorship In 2009 Alesha climbed Mt Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief. Joining her on the climb were Girls Aloud members Cheryl Cole and Kimberley Walsh, Ben Shephard, Gary Barlow, Ronan Keating, Fearne Cotton, Denise Van Outen, and Chris Moyles. ^[36] Together they raised over £1,000,000 towards helping combat malaria in Tanzania. ^[37] The whole team met Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street ^[38] Dixon had previously been to Downing Street just months before the climb to meet with Sarah Brown in honour of the Cosmopolitan ultimate women of the year awards. ^[39] While discussing the malaria issue in Tanzania Dixon said,

"I think people in England take things for granted, we complain about our NHS system and yes it’s not perfect but believe me it’s far better than what they've got here." ^[40]

Dixon backed Nickelodeon's ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign which is the UK’s anti-bullying initiative. ^[41] The campaign aims to encourage children to speak out against bullies and help children gain the confidence to tell someone if they, or someone they know is being bullied. As the face of the campaign Alesha said: "Nickelodeon’s See Something, Say Something campaign is extremely close to my heart, so I felt compelled to show my support. I was bullied as a child and know how important it is to tell someone about it". ^[42]

Dixon has made numerous appearances on Children in Need, a campaign held in the United Kingdom to raise money for exactly that, Children in Need. Money raised (approximately £30 million each year) provides support in the form of grants to organizations working with children who may have experienced mental, physical or sensory disabilities; behavioral or psychological disorders; are living in poverty or situations of deprivation; or suffering through distress, abuse or neglect. ^[43] Alesha also won the BBC show 'Strictly Come Dancing' and a percentage of the money from phone votes went towards the charity.

Dixon is also a supporter of the ACLT (African-Caribbean Leukaemia Trust), ^{[44] [45]} which is a voluntary charity, whose main aim is to increase the number of Black and Mixed Parentage people on the UK Bone Marrow Register. The members of the ACLT freely volunteer their time in attempting to raise awareness in the Black community; enabling potential donors to come forward and be involved in the process of offering hope and a healthy future to someone whose disorder may otherwise prove fatal.

In June 2009 Dixon was asked to become an official ambassador for the charity, 'Help a London Child'. In a statement Dixon said "I am very honoured that Help a London Child have asked me to be an ambassador and I have accepted. I have supported the charity for some time now and it makes sense to make my involvement more official. I am looking forward to continuing my support and I have already volunteered to run the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon to help raise funds for the charity!" Help a London Child Manager Kate Crabtree said, "This is fantastic news for Help a London Child and we are absolutely delighted. Alesha’s thoughtfulness and compassion make her the perfect ambassador and we look forward to her continued invaluable support." ^[46]

Modelling and television appearances

As a model, Dixon is represented by Select Model Management and has appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan , FHM , Arena , Company , Bliss , Another magazines and in various other Editorial fashion shoots. In 2008 a poll showed that Dixon had "Britain's sexiest legs" beating Cheryl Cole, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Lily Cole and others. ^[47] Dixon was cast as the lead female in the music video for "She Wants to Move" by N.E.R.D after Pharrell spotted her on the cover of Arena magazine. Dixon has been featured in ''FHMs annual 100 sexiest women in the world'' poll on a number of occasions. She is managed by Malcolm Blair.

Dixon has also presented many well-known shows in the UK, such as the MOBO Awards , CD:UK , ITV2's coverage of The Brit Awards and presented the Live From the Red Carpet show at the 62nd British Academy Film Awards for E!. ^[48] She has also been a guest on BBC One's current affairs programme This Week on two occasions, in November 2006 and December 2007. In 2009 it was reported that Dixon was in talks with television companies about a possible chatshow. ^[49]

Dixon was cast the role of 'Selena' in an upcoming British film, directed by Derek Lister called 'Milestones', ^[50] set against the backdrop of London's jazz music scene. Dixon said, "It's a small role, but it's perfect for my first film." ^[51]

Strictly Come Dancing

Series 5: contestant

Dixon took part in series 5 of hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler. Dixon was at first hesitant to join, fearing that snobbery within the music industry would damage her career. In a later interview she said, "There’s always this preconceived idea that people do reality TV shows because they want to kick-start their careers whereas I was actually worried that it would affect it." ^[52] They had been the favourite from the third week, receiving the most points from the judges on numerous occasions. Dixon herself gained high appraisal from the judges, even being likened to a "young Josephine Baker" by Bruno Tonioli. ^[53] They received 4.5 million votes in the final, beating actor Matt Di Angelo and professional dancer Flavia Cacace to win the glitter disco ball. ^[54]

Week #	Dance /Song	Total	Result
2	Rumba / Hurt	31	Safe
3	Jive / Shake a Tail Feather	36	Safe
4	American Smooth / Top Hat, White Tie and Tails	33	Safe
5	Foxtrot / Heaven	36	Safe
6	Salsa / Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'	35	Safe
7	Waltz / A Time For Us	38	Safe
8	Cha Cha Cha / Crazy in Love	39	Safe
9	Tango / Jealousy Samba / Reach Out I'll Be There	38 36	Safe
10	Viennese Waltz / Memory Paso Doble / Toccata	38 36	Bottom 2
11	Quickstep / Valerie Argentine Tango / I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You	38 38	Safe
12	Waltz / A Time For Us Cha Cha Cha / Crazy in Love Jive / We Love to Boogie	39 38 35	Winner

Series 7: judge

It was revealed in July 2009 that Alesha will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel in September 2009, ^[55] she will be replacing Arlene Phillips, 66, which led to the BBC being accused of ageism by newspaper columnists Amanda Platell and Janet Street-Porter. ^{[56] [57]} In a statement Jay Hunt, the BBC1 controller said, "Is it about ageism? Absolutely not, I'm committed to reaching out to the broadest possible audience." ^[58]

The BBC received a number of complaints from viewers angry about the changes to the judges line-up, with many feeling that Phillips has been axed for no good reason. Bosses at the BBC have also been accused of sexism, as none of the male judges on the show have been replaced. ^[59] Dixon, having a conflicting schedule also had to rearrange three dates on her upcoming tour, The Alesha Show in order to do the show, which is broadcast live on Saturday nights. ^[60]

Personal life

In June 2005, after a 5 year relationship, Dixon married MC Harvey, formerly of So Solid Crew, in a private ceremony at Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire. ^[61] Dixon filed for divorce just over a year later after MC Harvey had an affair with Javine Hylton. ^[62] They have no children together. ^[63] In an interview with Lily Allen on Lily Allen and Friends she was asked, "What the f**k were you doing with that t**t from So Solid Crew" to which she didn't reply but just laughed. ^[64]

After her marriage broke down and her record label dumped her within the space of two weeks Dixon suffered from depression, in a later interview she said, "It was the lowest point of my life. I just kept thinking, 'What have I done to deserve this?' I didn't see the point in living." ^[65] She decided move on and to turn around her life, saying "When you are knocked down you have two choices - stay down or get back up, stronger." ^[66] She said that Strictly Come Dancing helped her overcome her problems and gave her a "Zest for life" ^[67]

Dixon cut all contact with her older brother, Mark Harris, after he sold his story of their "terrible" childhood, claiming that they "often went to bed hungry" and that her mother, Beverley neglected them in favour of sometimes violent boyfriends, he also accused Dixon of turning her back on her family in the pursuit of fame and fortune. ^[68] In response to the comments about her mother, Dixon said, "I cherish her. If anyone is rude about her or says a bad word about her they won't be a part of my life. Unfortunately, that's how I feel about my brother." ^[69]

In February 2009, in an interview with the ''Daily Mail'', Alesha spoke about her Obsessive-compulsive disorder|obsessive-compulsive behaviour:

“	''My friends call me Monica Geller	”

She is currently single, living with her two dogs, a collie crossbreed called Roxy and a puppy called Daisy, both were adopted from an RSPCA animal centre. ^[71] Dixon has stated that she hates her own laugh, describing it as sounding like a "Crow" or "Sid James" ^[72] and saying "I'd change it if I could but it's become a trademark." ^[73] Dixon in an interview also said "somebody stole my laugh and made it into a ringtone". ^[74]

Discography

;Studio albums

• 2006: Fired Up
• 2008: The Alesha Show

Tours

;Headlining act 2009: The Alesha Show [75]

;Supporting act 2009: Enrique Iglesias UK Tour and Paris concert [76]

References

1. MTV - Alesha Dixon
2. Alesha discusses records label axe
3. 'Nothing scares me anymore'
4. The Rise and Rise of Alesha
5. The Alesha in; Arlene Out
6. Cha-cha champ Alesha Dixon hotfoots it back to the limelight
7. Love your work: Alesha Dixon
8. Alesha Dixon webchat
9. MTV – Mis-Teeq Bio
10. 2002 BRIT Awards
11. MOBO Awards - Mis-Teeq
12. Meet Mis-Teeq!
13. Alesha Dixon reveals all about her rollercoaster career
14. Girl group Mis-Teeq to split up
15. Talking Shop: Alesha Dixon
16. Alesha returns with added gloss
17. Fired Up: Alesha: Music
18. Music - News - Alesha discusses record label axe
19. Alesha Dixon - The Boy Does Nothing - Music Charts
20. Alesha Dixon - Breathe Slow - Music Charts
21. Alesha Dixon Wins Strictly Come Dancing! - Celebrity Gossip, News & Photos, Movie Reviews, Competitions
22. Alesha Dixon
23. Mis-teeq, Shepherd's Bush Empire, London; Liza Minnelli, Royal Albert Hall, London; Belle and Sebastian, Brixton Academy, London - Reviews, Music
24. Simply The Best 7 Days A Week :: News :: Alesha Dancing Queen
25. Alesha's album has now gone Platinum
26. Mis-Teeq Launce Reebok Clothing Line
27. Former Mis-Teeq pop star to front Ecko Red
28. Press Release: Ford - Strictly Star Fronts Ford Focus Or-Car-Stra
29. SEE PIC Alesha Dixon poses naked
30. How much have you paid Alesha Dixon? » Liberal Democrat Voice
31. Cash for stars in NHS ad kept secret
32. Alesha Dixon Launches The New Veet Collection > News
33. Alesha Dixon launches limited edition necklace for Teenage Cancer Trust
34. Toblerone
35. Alesha Dixon Fronts Toblerone Campaign
36. On top of the world: Joy as Cheryl, Alesha and co reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
37. Time for some SOCIAL climbing: Cheryl and the Kilimanjaro crew meet the Prime Minister
38. Tea with PM for Kilimanjaro nine
39. Don't worry Gordon... I'm here to see Sarah! Sex And The City's Kim Cattrall visits Downing Street
40. Comic Relief - Mount Kilimanjaro Climb 2009 - Part 4
41. Alesha Fronts Nickelodeon Bullying campaign…
42. Aleshadixon.Net
43. Children in Need - About Us - Who You've Helped
44. Buy new album, merchandise & tickets at the official Alesha Dixon UK website
45. Black Mental Health UK - African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust, Gift of Life Week from 15th - 21st September
46. Buy new album, merchandise & tickets at the official Alesha Dixon UK website
47. Alesha Dixon's legs voted best in Britain
48. Alesha Dixon @ 2009 British Academy Film Awards
49. Television - News - Alesha Dixon to host new chatshow
50. Aleshadixon.Net
51. Alesha Dixon Launching Film Career - Celebrity Gossip, News & Photos, Movie Reviews, Competitions
52. The Justin Lee Collins Show
53. A star is born. Again
54. Alesha Dixon wins Strictly Come Dancing 2007
55. Entertainment
56. Platell's People: Little Miss Cleavage and the Beeb's against bias
57. Why I won't wear wacky T-shirts to raise cash for charity
58. BBC in ageism row after axing Strictly judge Arlene Phillips in favour of Alesha Dixon
59. Strictly Backlash
60. Alesha confirmed as new Strictly Come Dancing judge
61. 'Why I walked out on Strictly's Alesha,' by her unfaithful husband
62. Alesha Dixon: MC Harvey regrets his affair but I don’t
63. ContactMusic.com
64. Alesha Dixon on Lily Allen & Friends
65. Alesha: 'I've gone from suicidal to Strictly Come Dancing queen – now I'm set to make £5m'
66. Exclusive Interview with: Alesha Dixon - The Ticket - TV & Entertainment - Mirror.co.uk
67. OK! Magazine: First For Celebrity News :: Celebrity News :: Alesha: Strictly Come Dancing saved me
68. Why Alesha's troubled past has made her desperate to win Strictly Come Dancing
69. Strictly Come Dancing queen Alesha on her heartbreaking family feud
70. Alesha Dixon on OCD
71. Alesha gives Southridge puppy a new home
72. Alesha Dixon - funny laughter
73. Alehsa Dixon reveals all about her rollercoaster career
74. Senkveld med Thomas & Harald
75. Alesha Dixon shows off her legs in sexy snap
76. Dance star Alesha Dixon hits the pop trail