Alesha Dixon (born 7.10.1978) is an English singer and TV personality. She first found fame in the female pop group Mis-Teeq when her distinctive vocal style made her stand out from the rest of the band. Since the band spilt, she has made numerous television appearances, including being crowned the winner of the popular British TV show, Strictly Come Dancing.
Alesha was born to a Jamaican father and an English mother and was one of seven children. In 1999, Alesha joined a West London dance academy, 'Dance Attic' where she met Sabrina Washington. The pair met Su-Elise Nash during an audition and, along with Zena McNally, formed Mis-Teeq and signed to Telstar Records.
Mis-Teeq's debut single was released in 2000. After the release of 'Why?' McNally left the band and the remaining three members took the decision to remain as a trio.
The debut album, Lickin' On Both Sides was released in 2001 and spawned several hits, including 'All I Want' and 'Roll On / This Is How We Do It'.
Mis-Teeq's second album, Eye Candy included the singles 'Scandalous' and 'Get It Back'. The band toured the US in 2004 before returning to Europe to work on their third album. Unfortunately for the band, Telstar Records folded, leaving the band with no choice but to release a Greatest Hits compilation under Universal Records. Shortly after this release, the band announced that they would be splitting up in order to pursue solo careers.
Polydor records signed Alesha to a £500.000 record deal. A number of high profile producers worked on the album, including Paul Epworth and Richard X. the debut single from the album, ''Lipstick' was released in 2006 and charted at number 14 in the UK charts.
Late 2006, it was reported on Alesha's website that the singer had parted company with Polydor Records. The album remained unreleased and Polydor gave Alesha full rights to the work, entitled Fired Up.
In 2008, she announced plans to release the album in Japan and Asia.
Alesha recorded a song, released for download in 2008, for the Ford Focus promotional campaign. The tracks featured musical instruments made from actual car parts.
Since leaving Mis-Teeq, Alesha Dixon has appeared in a number of television shows. She has presented the MOBO Awards, CD:UK and the TV coverage of the BRIT Awards.
Alesha has also made guest appearances on the BBC current affairs programme, This Week, as well as winning the 2007 series of Strictly Come Dancing.