Alesha Dixon takes her seat behind the table once again for this year’s instalment of Britain’s Got Talent and she talked about the upcoming series of the show before it kicks off again this weekend.
How does it feel to be back on the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel for another year?
It feels brilliant to be back. It’s a great show. Last series was amazing and hopefully we can capitalise on that and make this one just as good, if not better.
Do you think you’ll be any different as a judge second time round?
No, when I’m a judge I’m just myself and I’m just honest. I try to have a natural reaction and I don’t like to premeditate anything, I think that would come across as forced. I think it’s really important to be yourself.
What’s it been like being reunited with David, Amanda and Simon?
It’s been great. They are my favourite dysfunctional family and I love them all. Last year we all got on super well and this year we’ve just been laughing even more. Obviously Amanda was away for some of the time last year so the fact that she’s been here every day has been fantastic.
What are your favourite things about David?
He’s a softie and has got a really big heart. Obviously he is funny but he also really cares about people. He’s a very considerate thoughtful person.
What are your favourite things about Amanda?
She’s a real girl’s girl and she is funny beyond belief. She’s really witty and sharp but she’s also got a very motherly side to her as well. She takes care of us and makes sure we’re all alright. Amanda’s the kind of girl I wish I’d known when I was in my early twenties as she’d have been such a laugh to go out with.
What are your favourite things about Simon?
His sense of humour. When we’re off camera, having dinner and just chatting, he’s really funny. He likes playing practical jokes and he makes me laugh. Also, when you have conversations with him they are always interesting
What are your favourite memories from last year’s show?
So many! Every bit of it! It really was, from start to finish, a good ride. Finding a dog act that won the show was brilliant. I’m such a strong lover of animals so I thought it was fantastic. We’re from a nation that loves animals and everyone just fell in love with Ashleigh and Pudsey. Also, finding some other amazing talent, people like the Loveable Rogues, Jonathan and Charlotte and The Mend. Our final was so strong that every single act would have been worthy of winning it. I think it’s quite rare to have a final like that, so the final was definitely a highlight.
What type of act are you hoping will win Britain’s Got Talent this year?
I’m completely open-minded. It’s not my job to be biased and I don’t particularly have a preference. Even though singing and dancing is my passion, I absolutely love the comedians and the impressionists and the ventriloquist acts. I think it’s really important to stay impartial, wait to the live shows, and see who just blows us away!
What do you think of this year’s talent?
This year’s talent has been great. Naturally, you have to get through a lot of bad acts to find a gem. Real talent and really special people don’t come around often. I tend to embrace the bad acts, although sometimes I don’t have any patience for them. When that special person comes along you get that amazing feeling that you’ve witnessed the beginning of a really great career. It’s a real buzz. There are already at least five contestants that I think could win the show.
Without giving too much away, what have been some of the best acts during this year’s auditions?
Surprisingly, the impressionists, the ventriloquist acts and the stand-up comedians. There have been a couple of acts that aren’t from the UK that have come and been fantastic, which I think is healthy. I know some people can be a bit sceptical about acts coming from different countries but I say why not?! If they love and respect the show and want to come over here and audition then that’s brilliant! We’ve had a few, what I call, ‘alternative’ acts. An act where you can’t really describe what it is but it’s something you’ve never seen before and you know the audience are going to love it.
And the worst?
Probably the donkey, even though I love animals! It was supposed to be an amazing painter but it just stood there and didn’t really do anything. There was also one dog act where I think I said to the owner: “my dog can do more tricks than that dog.”
Are there any surprises we should look out for?
There are always surprises on Britain’s Got Talent. It takes a lot to surprise me but this year’s auditions managed to surprise me yet again. You sit there and you say to yourself: “how did they even come up with that idea in the first place?!”
What is your advice to this year's contestants?
Stay positive and channel all your energy into working hard and practising hard. You can never practise enough. Just own the moment, really own it.
What are you most looking forward to for the live shows?
I’m looking forward to seeing all the talent and what Britain has to offer this year. I’m also looking forward to the banter with the other judges.
Is it tricky to look glamorous on the red carpet when it’s freezing cold?
Yes! It’s never good when it’s windy and you’ve got a floaty dress! Red carpets are always something you look forward to but you also get really nervous when the weather’s not good! That’s the only bad thing about being British, for red carpets the weather’s usually rubbish!
Britain’s Got Talent starts again this Saturday April 13th on ITV.
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