Alesha Dixon on focusing on the 'simple things' and family life over career

Alesha Dixon has said she is trying to be “more present” at home - and is seeking to focus on the simple things in life and not get wrapped up in her career. 

The television presenter and musician, 45, has two daughters Azura, 10, and Anaya, four, with her partner, dancer Azuka Ononye.

And while the star, who shot to fame in girl group Mis-Teeq in 2000, likes to keep her family life private, she told the Standard she was making a concerted effort to “focus on the small things that count” such as spending quality time with her daughters.

She said: “This year for me more than ever, I have been trying to focus on the small things that count. A lot of us chase the big moments, but there is something quite beautiful about the small moments, spending time with the people that you love. 

“Those things matter more than ever for me and I think when I look back across the year, it's not the big work moments that stand out for me, but it is the people. And the special moments that I am lucky to have with my family.”

She continued: “I am blessed and privileged that I have two happy and healthy children and a wonderful family. I don’t want to say the mundane things, but the simple things. If you can wake up with your health, your home and people that love you - you have won the lottery.” 

Speaking about her work/life balance, Dixon added: “I am trying to practice being present. It is a hard thing to do but I am trying it. You blink and your kids are grown up. [I’m] just trying to cherish the small things.” 

Dixon said she had only signed up to a handful of presenting jobs in the next few months as she wanted to focus on putting out new music in the new year. 

“I have about two albums worth of material, but I have never been ready to share it,” she said. “The writing and recording - that never stops for me. But what happens is that it goes to the bottom of the list whereas this year I have said no to a lot of things so i can focus on music.”

Dixon, who is planning to re-release her album The Alesha Show to mark its 15-year anniversary this year, added: “I feel good, I feel energised - so I feel like now is the time to share it.” 

Dixon is also hosting The National Lottery’s Big Bash at the end of the year alongside Jason Manford. The event - which will see performances from Paloma Faith, Take That and Busted - aims to take a celebratory look back at the year as well as celebrating extraordinary people and the differences they have made thanks to National Lottery funding.

She said: “I just think with everything going on in the world, there is a heavy energy. It is a very scary and very dark time at the moment. It is always nice for people to have something to look forward to, something positive. We will of course make sure it is a very celebratory show.”

Tickets go on general release from 1pm on 2 November and National Lottery players will be able to reserve up to four tickets for free, plus a £2 booking fee applies per ticket and proof of purchase of a National Lottery product is required.  bigbash2023.com