Alesha Dixon spoke exclusively with The Standard about balancing motherhood with her glittering career
(Picture: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)Alesha Dixon has revealed that she no longer experiences “mom guilt” as she discussed balancing her two decade-long career in the spotlight with motherhood.
The 44-year-old has enjoyed much success since starting out in the music industry in 1999 as one third of R&B girl group Mis-Teeq.
Since then, she’s not only scored several solo top 10 hits but also won 2007’s Strictly Come Dancing and has been a judge on Britain’s Got Talent for more than a decade.
Despite the accolades and adoration, her most important job to date is being a mum to her two daughters; Azura, eight, and Anaya, three, whom she shares with her partner Azuka Ononye.
Although admitting to “pulling her hair out” some days, the star explained that any overwhelming feelings she experiences trying to juggle it all dissolve when she remembers how much “joy” her girls bring to her life.
Speaking ahead of The National Lottery’s Big Bash launch, she told The Standard: “I’ve gone back to hour, by hour, day, by day and am not trying to think too far ahead.
“Also being present and in the moment as much as you possibly can because otherwise it feels overwhelming.
“You really have to just take baby steps, literally.
“Each day I just make sure there’s that balance between getting done what I need to do from a business point of view, but then being present for my children and making sure they have mummy there, quality time with me and quality time as a family.
“Some days I’m pulling my hair out and it’s challenging and it can be stressful, but the joy outweighs all of that and the blessing of having two amazing, beautiful children that genuinely bring so much joy to my life.”
While spinning so many plates is no doubt taxing, the Boy Does Nothing hitmaker said that her daughters “inspire” and “motivate” her to work hard so she can be a role model to them.
“They inspire me and motivate me to want to continue to strive and work hard and show them what’s possible,” Dixon continued. “To open up their little minds to the world and show them that actually, there are different ways to go about your life and creating the life that you want, so every day is a teachable moment in my house.
“The most important thing is that they’re happy, they’re having fun and as I said that I’m as present as I possibly can be.
“I’m really, really lucky is that I represent myself. I don’t have management. I look after my own diary. I can make sure that there’s that balance where my children get mummy.
“I try and get as much done as possible when they’re at school, but then by the time they come home from school, it’s, ‘What’s for dinner mum?’ it’s all normal household activities and they’re none the wiser what’s been going on.”
Remembering her purpose and intention behind each job means the star has stopped experiencing “mom guilt” as she knows she’s building a better future for her kids.
“But of course, you have days where you need to be out of the house and sometimes my three-year-old gets upset when mummy leaves,” she shared.
“I always say to mums, I don’t suffer with the ‘mom guilt’, I miss them so much, but I don’t feel guilty because I walk out that door and I’m going to work for them, to make sure they have a better life and that they are inspired in their own lives.”
With that in mind, does she want her girls to follow in her showbiz footsteps? Dixon is unsure, but hopes that her drive, passion and work ethic motivates them to become whoever they want to be.
She added: “My attitude has always been, they are my children, but they are their own unique entities with their own destiny, their own minds.
“And ultimately my job is to support them in whatever they choose to do. I hope that I’m always there to support and nurture and encourage whatever they choose.
“I don’t think there’s a right or wrong. Life is about trial and error and sometimes some people don’t even know what they want to do, even when they’re in their twenties and we’re always trying to figure it out, even if we have a job and have a career, we’re always thinking, ‘what’s next? How do I grow?’
“So, I think that’s a constant thing that all humans are challenged with. They’ll be no different and hopefully my experience can help them and be some sort of comfort when they do face challenges in life.”
Aside from motherhood, fans have the opportunity to party along Dixon when she and Jason Mansford host The National Lottery’s Big Bash at London’s OVO Arena on Tuesday,December 6.
Concert-goers can expect unique performances from the likes of Tom Grennan, Adam Lambert, Joel Corry, RAYE, Katherine Jenkins, Cirque du Soleil plus many more.
Speaking about the gig, which will also air on ITV and ITVX over the festive period, the TV star said: “The National Lottery’s Big Bash is going to be the night you will not want to miss. Think of it as a huge house party with an amazing line-up and a few hidden extras along the way!
“Get dressed up from the comfort of your own home and come party with us - we’ve got your evening sorted”.
