Alesha Dixon

“Dancing is one of the best ways of expressing yourself, and I definitely use it to release emotion.”

“Sometimes in life, when bad things happen to us, or things aren't going our way, or we're faced with a challenge or a problem, it's how you look at the problem; it's how you do it to change your mindset, to dilute the negativity.”

“I guess when you're holding the creative reins, you can be across everything, and it's more authentic. You can control it.”

“I have different methods. Sometimes I just like to immerse myself in music; that's a really good way to switch off from the world. I also like to listen to Eckhart Tolle, a very wise, very spiritual man, who teaches us how to live in the present.”

“Britain is an amazing multicultural place to live in, and that should be celebrated and represented.”

“When I was a little girl, I was a little bit of a show off.”

“I'm happy to be human, and being human means we aren't perfect.”

“I knew I always wanted to be my own boss. My mum would say I've been my own boss since primary school. It was probably always my destiny.”

“I've got so many dance heroes, and it's such a cliche, but how can I not say Michael Jackson? Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul - they are the people I remember when I was a little girl, watching their videos and trying to learn all the choreography.”

“There still aren't many black women on prime-time TV. Times are changing, but it's interesting: we're in 2013 and still experiencing firsts... Hopefully, in the next 100 years, things will balance even more.”

“Even though it's called Music Of Black Origin, it's not just music for black people. Music is for everybody. I think it's good that black music is acknowledged, and it's open for lots of artists, including white artists who have been inspired by black musical heritage.”

“Every young person needs to have a character that they can identify with and feel included by.”

“My laugh is filthy. I'd change it if I could, but it's become a trademark.”

“I'd be lying if I did not say that being a woman of colour is something I am always mindful or aware of.”

“I'm a very deep thinker, and I find it very hard to switch off at night, so I usually have to put on an episode of 'Friends' or listen to some music before bed.”

“When I joined the 'Strictly Come Dancing' panel in 2009, the controller of the BBC came into my dressing room and said they were proud to have a woman of colour on their panel. It was so nice that they acknowledged it.”

“I'm the most organised person in the world. Apparently, I'm just like Monica from 'Friends' because I am hyper, hyper organised. It's probably bordering on OCD.”

“I have definitely had times in my career where I have wondered whether I have had to work a bit harder, prove myself more, but I would never want to be in a position where I am saying, 'Oh, I did not get that job because of my race.'”

“Azura is a complete joy and has changed my life. She keeps me on track. I want to make sure I'm the best person I can possibly be for her.”

“There were very few British black women on TV or in music when I was a teenager; when you're growing up, you need someone you can identify with. I remember at Christmas being bought a doll that didn't look anything like me, so I threw it away.”