Alesha Dixion has signed a six-figure deal to join 'Australia’s Got Talent'.
Alesha Dixon
The 'Britain's Got Talent' star will fly Down Under to judge the contestants on the Australian talent competition after her co-star Amanda Holden turned down the lucrative role
A TV insider told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: “Amanda was the first choice for 'Australia’s Got Talent' and she had a series of meetings but logistically she just could not make it work. Her daughters are in school here so even if she didn’t have work commitments, it would have been difficult to be away from them.
“Although Alesha wasn’t who they wanted originally, she has secured a lucrative contract and it’s a good deal which will really heighten her career Down Under. Her kids are still young so it feels a bit more doable for her.
“It’s difficult at the moment because of quarantining but she has had the green light and will start filming later this month.”
Alesha will take her place on the panel alongside 'How I Met Your Mother' star Neil Patrick Harris and Aussie celebrities Kate Ritchie and Shane Jacobson.
Amanda, 50, turned down the role as she wanted to stay in the UK to focus on her radio gig with Heart and her upcoming project with Channel 4.
The 'Wild at Heart' actress will reveal her "unique relationship" with her grandmother, Myrtle, in her new documentary-style programme, 'No Holden Back'.
She said: "I’m delighted that everyone is finally going to meet my nan, the apple never falls far from my tree and in this series, she will certainly be keeping me on my toes."
Myrtle is hoping that her time in the spotlight might lead to her meeting 'Tipping Point' presenter Ben Shephard.
A spokesperson for Myrtle said: “I have no comment, apart from I’m really hoping being on TV might mean I can finally meet my favourite young man, Ben Shephard."
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