‘I want to make sure my children are never exposed to that’: Alesha Dixon admits she felt ‘insecure’ and ‘took a long time to build relationships’ after witnessing violence as a child
Alesha Dixon has revealed that she grew up feeling insecure because of the violence that she witnessed as a child.
The Mis-Teeq singer, 42, saw her mother Beverley attacked by an unnamed boyfriend when she was just eight years old.
Speaking to The Sun, she said: ‘I want to make sure my children are never exposed to things that I saw… I want them to grow up feeling very secure.’
Traumatic: Alesha Dixon has revealed that she grew up feeling ‘insecure’ after witnessing her mother Beverley attacked by an unnamed boyfriend at eight years old
Alesha is mum to two daughters, Azura, seven, and Ananya, 19 months with her long-term partner Azuka Ononye, 40, who she has been dating since 2012.
She candidly explained that although she never wants her children to be exposed to violence, her upbringing wasn’t all bad.
Speaking of her traumatic childhood, she explained: ‘I saw people coming and going, and violence, so it took a long time to know how to have good relationships.
‘It sounds like a sob story, but it really has shaped who I am… I had a lot of love around me but I did see things I shouldn’t have seen as a girl.’
The Mis-Teeq singer explained she never wants her two daughters, Azura, seven, and Ananya, 19 months, to be exposed to the same violence (pictured with their dad Azuka Ononye)
The Britain’s Got Talent judge also explained how the violence she witnessed prevented her from building healthy relationships and communication skills.
As a result, she spent multiple years working through her trauma to be able to grow.
Alesha previously told the Daily Mail: ‘I was only eight years old when I saw my mum being abused, and watching the person I loved most in the world get hurt left me feeling helpless and frustrated.
‘I did see things I shouldn’t have seen as a girl’: The Britain’s Got Talent judge explained that while her upbringing was traumatic she was also surrounded by a ‘lot of love’ (picture in 2020)
‘Depending on what’s happened in your past, going with your gut can be a hard thing to do.
‘But there’s nothing worse than ignoring your instincts. Instead, you need to have confidence that the decisions you make are the right ones, rather than overthink situations,’ she added.
The latest interview comes after Alesha revealed earlier this year that being a mum had made her a ‘better person’.
Speaking to the Mirror, she said: ‘Being a mum has made me a better person because I’m always mindful of my behaviour.
‘Obviously there is still a rebellious side in me and I’m young at heart, but for the most part I’m quite sensible.
‘My children keep me grounded. Everything I’m doing now is to make sure they have a great future and to protect them.’
Family focus: The latest interview comes after Alesha revealed earlier this year that being a mum had made her a ‘better person’