BBC Strictly winner Alesha Dixon spills on how show has 'changed' 17 years later

Alesha Dixon won Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 (Image: BBC)

Alesha Dixon, the star who dazzled audiences and judges alike to clinch victory on Strictly Come Dancing with Matthew Cutler in 2007, has recently shared some heartfelt insights about her journey on the BBC hit series.

The Boy Does Nothing songstress, formerly of Mis-Teeq fame, opened up about the evolution of the show over the past 17 years.

Now a judge on Britain's Got Talent, the 46-year-old divulged details during an exclusive conversation with the Express and other Reach outlets regarding the new Media, Broadcast and Production T-level.

Reflecting on her transition from the Strictly judging panel to ITV's flagship talent competition in 2012, she mused: "I think everything happens for a reason. I cherish the time I had on the show."

She continued, expressing her enduring affection for the dance contest: "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."

Strictly Come Dancing's production value has gone up (Image: BBC)

Alesha then described the warm nostalgia she feels towards the programme, continuing: "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 chart-topper also touched upon the transformations the show has undergone, noting: "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."

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She reminisced about her own stint on the dance floor, saying: "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 conversation, Alesha revealed insights about her journey through showbiz and the new educational qualifications set to encourage young talent within a nurturing framework.

Alesha Dixon and Sarah Davies are promoting T-Levels (Image: Provided)

The celebrated ITV personality has thrown her support behind the fresh 'T-team', a constellation of stars advocating for T-levels as revolutionary credentials. Specifically, Alesha backs the Media, Broadcast and Production T-level, debuting this September across England.

Fascinating figures have emerged indicating that 73% of individuals sense that entry into the creative sectors seems inaccessible to many, while a significant 86% of parents would be more reassured about their children's artistic career prospects if they were better informed about available pathways.

Describing the initiative as "really exciting", Alesha stated: "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."

She went on to add: "This campaign really spoke to me. 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."

Alesha confessed her own wishes, revealing: "I would have loved something like this when I was younger. 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."

Alesha Dixon champions accessibility in education (Image: Provided) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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The star then expressed her support for T-levels, arguing: "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 couldn't hide her enthusiasm as she pointed out the excitement for youngsters, saying: "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."

Highlighting its advantages for employers, she remarked: "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."

Reflecting on her early days, Alesha shared a piece of her journey, stating: "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.

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"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."

Reflecting on people's fears, she said: "I think a lot of people are nervous and fearful, so they maybe choose a safer route," and "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 is so exciting!" she exclaimed. "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.

BBC Strictly winner Alesha Dixon spills on how show has 'changed' 17 years later

BBC Strictly winner Alesha Dixon spills on how show has 'changed' 17 years later

BBC Strictly winner Alesha Dixon spills on how show has 'changed' 17 years later

BBC Strictly winner Alesha Dixon spills on how show has 'changed' 17 years later

BBC Strictly winner Alesha Dixon spills on how show has 'changed' 17 years later