Alesha Dixon: I’m a party girl but value my pals
Singer and Strictly Come Dancing winner Alesha Dixon, 30, is single and lives in Hertfordshire
Food
Always the same or always game?
It’s important to be open to new foods. I have a rule when I’m touring with the band that we all have to try a local dish in each country we visit. I love trying fish and seafood and sushi is a big favourite of mine.
Cooking
Experimental or tried and tested?
Tried and tested. I’m good at cooking Jamaican food. Ackee and salt fish, the national dish of Jamaica, is a speciality. It’s the most versatile dish in the world. You can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Fashion
Victim or setter?
A bit of both. I have a stylist who is fantastic at putting things together. She makes me feel like a setter. Left to my own devices I’m a victim. I pull any old thing on and can look awful. I should look in the mirror more before I leave the house.
Shopping
Until you drop or avoid at all costs?
If I have nothing to do then I’ll wander round the shops but as a rule I don’t enjoy it. I hate shopping centres.
Holidays
Beach or piste?
I like both. I enjoy relaxing and sunbathing then going on a little adventure. I love the Caribbean. The food is great, the people are friendly, the beaches are beautiful and there’s lots to do.
Approach to life
Mañana or right now?
I’m incredibly organised. I can’t focus unless I know everything I need to do is done. My friends call me Monica after the character from Friends.
Friends
Quantity or quality?
I have a small group of friends I grew up with. Although I have lots of associates I can go out and have fun with, my true friends mean a lot. They are always there for me, understand the demands of my job and don’t put any pressure on me.
Entertainment
Intimate dinner or big bash?
I’m a party girl but I also like a small gathering of friends. At the moment my diary is so hectic I enjoy the chance to relax with just a few friends.
Housekeeping
Aggie & Kim or Wayne & Waynetta?
I’m obsessive about tidiness. I share my house with my cousin and I’m always arguing with her about her mess. Recently I got home and my sister was there too. I felt like their mother. I started nagging and picking things up. I actually uttered the words: “When I come home I expect to find my house the way I left it.”
Drink
Beer or Bolli?
Both. Occasionally I’ll have a beer but with a meal I like a glass of red wine and when out partying I like a glass of champagne. When I’m working I can’t drink at all as I need to look after my voice but if I get a day off I’ll have a drink to celebrate.
Cars
Girl racer or Sunday driver?
I’m a girl racer. I like to hear the roar of an engine and feel a bit of speed when I put my foot down. I love cars. I grew up with a father who was passionate about them. I’ve just ordered a new BMW Z4 which I’m very excited about.
Money
Rainy day or live for today?
The older I get the more sensible I become. When I was in the girl band Mis-Teeq we used to travel the world and go on crazy shopping sprees. Now I think: “I treated myself last week so this week I’ll hold back.”
Health
Alternative or aspirin?
My mum is a reiki healer so she does that on me quite often which is very relaxing. I think it’s important to take time out and let your mind be still. I would always try to cure something the natural way but I’ll take tablets if necessary.
Rubbish
Bin it or recycle it?
I recycle and am very good at it. I have all the right boxes and bins and put everything where it should be.
Fitness
Jane Fonda or Jim Royle?
I do exercise that makes me smile – that’s why I love dancing. It makes me feel great. I run and go to the gym when I’ve got time. I’ve always loved sport and wanted to be a PE teacher when I was younger.
Technology
Gadget girl or technophobe?
I’m not interested in technology. I have a laptop which is a lovely pink but I only use it to check my e-mails.