Alesha Dixon, who had the honour of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, has shared her thoughts on what lies ahead for the UK in the renowned international music competition.
The judge from Britain's Got Talent took to the stage in Liverpool last year, co-hosting with Ted Lasso's Hannah Waddingham, Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina and Irish TV presenter Graham Norton, who joined for the grand finale.
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Strictly Come Dancing champion Alesha dazzled global audiences with her presenting prowess in the year that saw singer Mae Muller fly the flag for the UK with her song I Wrote A Song.
Despite Sam Ryder's stellar performance of SPACE MAN earning a silver medal for the UK the previous year, Mae ended up in 25th place, with Germany trailing at the bottom in 26th.
This marked a return to the UK's customary scoring pattern, as we usually find ourselves towards the lower end of the leaderboard. 2024 was no exception, with Years and Years frontman Olly Alexander securing 18th place, reports the Mirror.
In an exclusive conversation with Reach about the new Media, Broadcast and Production T-level, Breathe Slow singer Alesha shed light on how the UK's perspective on Eurovision has evolved over time.
"I grew up watching Eurovision," she disclosed. "It was a massive event in my house; we loved it.
"But I have to be honest - and I think a lot of people would agree with this - I think there were quite a few years where a lot of people in the UK lost faith in Eurovision, didn't they?" Alesha pondered.
"They kind of felt like, 'Oh, we never have a chance.' And I don't think we got behind it as much... But I feel like it's had a massive resurgence, and I think people have fallen in love with it again.
"I think since we had Sam Ryder and, obviously, the Eurovision that we hosted on behalf of Ukraine, I feel like the British public has fallen in love with Eurovision again," the Boy Does Nothing singer mused.
"And actually, some of the music and the talent that came from it was just incredible. My children were listening to the soundtrack to Eurovision for months after the show finished.
"There were lots of incredible artists and, honestly, that was one of the best things I've ever hosted in my life.
"We had to rehearse so many times with it being such a big show. The shows were two hours long, the final was four hours long, and we were running on pure adrenaline, but it was really... I've never experienced anything like it.
"There was really special energy all week," she expressed with excitement. "I mean, I talk about the 'Strictly bubble', but wow. The Eurovision bubble was next-level.
"It was just the most colourful, joyful, unifying world to be a part of, and I feel genuinely honoured that I got to host it. And how lovely to host alongside two other women as well."
She concluded with enthusiasm: "It was just a week-long party - music is what brought everyone together. You know, you don't see that often. It's really special.
"I mean, we live in really turbulent times, so when we get these moments where music unifies countries and people and there's just joy, we've really got to embrace those moments."
Elsewhere in the interview, Alesha opened up about her career in the entertainment industry and the new qualifications that will allow young people to do the same in a supportive environment.
The ITV star has joined the T-team – a group of celebrities hailing T-levels as a game-changing qualification. Alesha is championing the brand-new Media, Broadcast and Production T-level, launched across England this September.
New stats show that 73% of people believe the routes and opportunities into the creative industries are closed off to many, while 86% of parents would feel more confident in their child pursuing a creative career if they knew more about the opportunities available.
Alesha branded the campaign “really exciting”, explaining: “Before I actually got into the entertainment industry, I wanted to be a teacher, and I absolutely love going into schools and speaking with young people.
“This campaign really spoke to me,” she continued, “So I've joined the T-team experts and we’re here to raise awareness on the benefits of T-levels for 16 to 19 year olds.
“I would have loved something like this when I was younger,” Alesha admitted. “I think there's lots of stigma around working in Media and Broadcast and production. I think probably a lot of parents think that to get into media, it's about who you know rather than what you know.
“But T-levels really lift the lid on that - this is a bona fide way into the industry where your children can be hands-on, working on an industry placement with the employer, and learning real-life skills in the classroom that are then transferable to the real world. I just think it's a brilliant idea.”
Alesha added: “If you were a young person, knowing that you're going to be out there in the real world, working in an industry that you aspire to be in, it would be super exciting.
Pointing out that the qualification is also beneficial to employers, she noted: “And of course, these courses are tailor-made for what the employers need and want, so it's a completely bespoke qualification in that sense.”
She also spoke of her own experience when she started out in the entertainment industry, recalling: “I think it's important to inspire young people and give them options, because I just think people really see the entertainment industry as otherworldly. I know I did growing up; I thought it was Mars.
“I didn't even know it was possible to be in the entertainment industry, so I think we've got to lift the lid on that and show parents that there are steps you can take that will give you the confidence that your child is doing the right thing.
“Ultimately, it's about fulfilling a passion, and that's where my passion comes from. You get one life; you want to do something with your life that gives you satisfaction.”
I think a lot of people are nervous and fearful, so they maybe choose a safer route,” she reflected. “Or they don't go for their dreams because they're not sure that it's possible.
“So I think when it comes to the creative industries, we've got to encourage people to go for it, because I think a lot of people choose to walk away because they don’t know how how to go about it.
“But the creative industry so exciting!” she enthused. “There are so many options and so many jobs available for young people. I always come from the viewpoint of being passionate about the creative industries, being passionate about young people and showing them what's possible.”
Parents can find more information and access free resources by visiting the T-level info website at: www.tlevelinfo.org.uk
Eurovision will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in May 2025.
