BBC Strictly Come Dancing winner Alesha Dixon lifts lid on how show is ‘different’ 17 years later

EXCLUSIVE: Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Alesha Dixon has opened up about her experience on the BBC show and how it has changed since she competed.

Alesha Dixon, who won Strictly Come Dancing alongside Matthew Cutler back in 2007, has spoken candidly about her time on the BBC show.

The Boy Does Nothing singer, who was previously a part of the girl band Mis-Teeq, has also discussed how the series has changed since she competed 17 years ago.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 46, opened up about what the dance competition is like today as part of an exclusive chat with the Mirror and other Reach publications about the new Media, Broadcast and Production T-level.

Reflecting on moving from her judging role on Strictly in 2012 in order to be a judge on ITV’s biggest talent show, she said: “I think everything happens for a reason. I cherish the time I had on the show.

“I’ve always said this - it will always, always have a special place in my heart. It was a massive turning point for me in my career.

“So, when I think of Strictly, it gives me a warm feeling. You’ll often hear people talking about the ‘Strictly bubble’ and that’s because it is such a lovely bubble that you’re in.”

The Breathe Slow hitmaker then went on to discuss how the show had changed, explaining:

“I guess the main thing that’s different from when I was on the show is that production-wise - as naturally would happen - the production aspect has really developed.

“I remember, in my day, we didn’t have all the amazing sets they do now and all the props and all those fun aspects that they’ve added to the production.

“We never had that in my day, but the basic point is still there: the love of dance. If you’ve got the love of dance, people will always love the show.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Alesha opened up about her career in the entertainment industry and the new qualifications that will allow young people to do the same in a supportive environment.

The ITV star has joined the T-team – a group of celebrities hailing T-levels as a game-changing qualification. Alesha is championing the brand-new Media, Broadcast and Production T-level, launched across England this September.

New stats show that 73% of people believe the routes and opportunities into the creative industries are closed off to many, while 86% of parents would feel more confident in their child pursuing a creative career if they knew more about the opportunities available.

Alesha branded the campaign “really exciting”, explaining: “Before I actually got into the entertainment industry, I wanted to be a teacher, and I absolutely love going into schools and speaking with young people.

“This campaign really spoke to me,” she continued, “So I've joined the T-team experts and we’re here to raise awareness on the benefits of T-levels for 16 to 19 year olds.

“I would have loved something like this when I was younger,” Alesha admitted. “I think there's lots of stigma around working in Media and Broadcast and production. I think probably a lot of parents think that to get into media, it's about who you know rather than what you know.

“But T-levels really lift the lid on that - this is a bona fide way into the industry where your children can be hands-on, working on an industry placement with the employer, and learning real-life skills in the classroom that are then transferable to the real world. I just think it's a brilliant idea.”

Alesha added: “If you were a young person, knowing that you're going to be out there in the real world, working in an industry that you aspire to be in, it would be super exciting.

Pointing out that the qualification is also beneficial to employers, she noted: “And of course, these courses are tailor-made for what the employers need and want, so it's a completely bespoke qualification in that sense.”

She also spoke of her own experience when she started out in the entertainment industry, recalling: “I think it's important to inspire young people and give them options, because I just think people really see the entertainment industry as otherworldly. I know I did growing up; I thought it was Mars.

“I didn't even know it was possible to be in the entertainment industry, so I think we've got to lift the lid on that and show parents that there are steps you can take that will give you the confidence that your child is doing the right thing.

“Ultimately, it's about fulfilling a passion, and that's where my passion comes from. You get one life; you want to do something with your life that gives you satisfaction.”

I think a lot of people are nervous and fearful, so they maybe choose a safer route,” she reflected. “Or they don't go for their dreams because they're not sure that it's possible.

“So I think when it comes to the creative industries, we've got to encourage people to go for it, because I think a lot of people choose to walk away because they don’t know how how to go about it.

“But the creative industry so exciting!” she enthused. “There are so many options and so many jobs available for young people. I always come from the viewpoint of being passionate about the creative industries, being passionate about young people and showing them what's possible.”

Parents can find more information and access free resources by visiting the T-level info website at: www.tlevelinfo.org.uk

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC and BBC iPlayer.