'Second chance' for singer Dixon

By Liam Allen Entertainment reporter, BBC News

Strictly Come Dancing champion Alesha Dixon says she feels "blessed" to be releasing a solo album after previously being dropped by her record label.

The 29-year-old, who was in girl group Mis-Teeq, was dropped as a solo artist by Polydor in 2006 before being offered a new contract after winning the show.

She told the BBC News website it was "great to have the opportunity to make another album".

Her new album, The Alesha Show, is out on 17 November through Asylum Records.

It will be preceded by single, The Boy Does Nothing, on 10 November.

'Same enthusiasm'

The singer, who returned to Strictly Come Dancing at the weekend for a guest appearance, said: "In 2006, I lost a record deal and at the time, obviously, it was scary and was horrible but I think that, in retrospect, these things are meant to happen.

"If I wasn't dropped by Polydor, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do Strictly Come Dancing."

For me, being in the industry for such a long time, it almost feels like I'm starting again Alesha Dixon

Some 11.4 million viewers watched Dixon and dance partner Matthew Cutler win the final of the show in December by beating ex-EastEnders star Matt Di Angelo and partner Flavia Cacace.

The new single was co-written with producers Xenomania, who she has collaborated with for a number of tracks on the album, which she describes as "a very personal record".

She has also worked with producers including Redzone, who worked on Rihanna hit Umbrella, and Stephen Lipson, who has worked with stars including Grace Jones and Annie Lennox.

"For me, being in the industry for such a long time, it almost feels like I'm starting again but with more knowledge and with the same amount of enthusiasm - if not more - to succeed," she added.

"I just feel blessed to be put into this opportunity again."

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