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The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The big row that's rocking Alesha Dixon's relationship with her man of 12 years – just months after they reunited
ALESHA Dixon reconciled with her partner of 12-years Azuka Ononye back in April after a 'really rocky patch' left their relationship on the brink. But insiders claim the Britain's Got Talent judge's romance has hit another rough patch - and it all boils down to one big question. 6 6 6 Those close to Azuka say the choreographer, who has two daughters with Alesha, is struggling to come to terms with Alesha's refusal to marry him - despite him asking multiple times. In recent weeks, pals tell me, the issue has become a recurring argument between them - with Azuka unable to convince Alesha that marriage is the way forward for them. Alesha, 46, was previously married to rapper MC Harvey but their year-long union ended in heartbreak after his affair with singer Javine Hilton. A friend said: 'Azuka wants Alesha to be his wife and thinks marriage is the way forward for them after everything that has happened over the past six months. 'He has proposed but to no avail. 'It's becoming an argument that keeps coming up between them and Azuka is finding it hard to move past it. 'He is a proud man and wants Alesha to be his wife. His parents have said the same and think marriage is the way forward. They've applied some pressure too, which has led to rows between Alesha and Azuka. 'It's been a difficult six months but this feels like another bump in the road they can't get past.' Over a decade ago, Alesha revealed that Azuka had proposed to her multiple times but joked he wasn't serious. Speaking about their relationship on Piers Morgan 's Life Stories programme, she said: 'He's asked me about five times but I won't take him seriously. Alesha Dixon SPLITS from father of her two kids after 12 years - but reveals why they're still living together 'He asks me when he's jokey and I won't take him seriously until he does it properly.' Those close to Azuka say he has since proposed properly but that Alesha has stonewalled his attempts. 'Azuka says he can't work out why Alesha won't marry him,' the friend said. 'He thinks this could be the making of them and something that would help them properly move past everything that has happened. 'It's become a bit of a stalemate again. He's leaning on his friends for support but it's difficult for him.' 6 Alesha previously called Azuka her 'best friend' and said she had found the love of her life in the dancer. But then in November last year, those close to Alesha said she had confided in them that their relationship had run its course. STAR'S BREAK-UP This March Alesha confirmed the pair had split but said they were living together for the sake of their children. A month later, those close to the couple confirmed they were giving their romance another try. A close source said: 'They went through a really rocky patch and decided to call it a day. It had been difficult for a long time and Alesha just couldn't see a way forward. 'AZ even moved out to a hotel for a while, despite the fact they were co-parenting. 'But there is still a huge amount of feeling between them. They've been together for 12 years and have two beautiful children. 'So they have decided to give it one last try. "They both desperately want to be a family again and are going to do all it takes to make it work.' WEDDING CONFLICT At the time, those close to Alesha admitted they ' weren't convinced' their relationship would last. And now Azuka's friends say they feel the same - with the talk of weddings driving a wedge between them. One added: 'Without a wedding on the horizon, Azuka doesn't know what to do. 'He wants Alesha to be his wife but she isn't budging. 'It's another hurdle they've come up against and it seems there isn't a way they can move past it.' 6 6
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly's Shirley Ballas drops huge hint Bruno Tonioli is returning to the show after quitting BGT
SHIRLEY Ballas has sparked speculation that Bruno Tonioli could be returning to Strictly Come Dancing after the head judge shared a cryptic Instagram post. The BBC star posted a photo alongside Bruno, captioning it, 'Just can't wait to be back'. 6 6 6 The timing of her post coincides with mounting reports that he is preparing to quit Britain's Got Talent after just two series. Bruno, known for his flamboyant judging style, joined Strictly in 2004 and was a fixture on the panel until 2019. He took a break during the pandemic due to transatlantic travel complications while filming Dancing with the Stars in the United States, and officially stepped down from Strictly in 2022. He was replaced by long-time professional dancer Anton Du Beke, who was later confirmed as a full-time judge in 2022. Bruno's exit was never positioned as permanent, leaving the possibility of a return open. Now his future on Britain's Got Talent appears to be in question due to scheduling conflicts with his U.S. commitments. Bruno was brought onto BGT in 2023 following the departure of David Walliams, a decision personally backed by Simon Cowell despite speculation that comedian Alan Carr would take the role. A television insider said that changes to BGT's 2025 filming timetable have made Bruno's continued presence on the show increasingly difficult. A TV insider said: 'The filming schedule in 2024 meant that Bruno could get away with not being present for filming one week of auditions. 'But it would be virtually impossible for him to miss two weeks, because in the final edit, that equates to half the episodes in the new three-month run of BGT, which will air from February of 2026.' Bruno Tonioli set to QUIT Britain's Got Talent judging gig as two favourites to replace him revealed Last year the show was able to work around Bruno's availability by splitting audition weeks. KSI stood in for him during Blackpool tapings in October, while Bruno returned for auditions in London in January. However, this year all auditions are set to be recorded back-to-back over a single fortnight in October across Blackpool and Birmingham, overlapping directly with Dancing with the Stars filming in the U.S. With his exit looking increasingly likely, attention has turned to potential replacements. KSI, who impressed viewers during last year's Blackpool auditions and during a guest appearance on the live semi-finals, is seen as a leading candidate. Alan Carr, a close friend of Amanda Holden and original favourite to replace Walliams, is also expected to be in the running. 6 6 6
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bruno Tonioli 'to quit' Britain's Got Talent after just two series as ITV plans big shake-up - and there are already two favourites to replace him
Bruno Tonioli is reportedly set to quit Britain's Got Talent after just two series in a major blow to the show. Bruno, 69, joined the ITV variety programme in 2023, replacing David Walliams who departed under a cloud. He joined Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon last year and returned for its most recent series, which became the show's longest yet. However, the flamboyant former Strictly Come Dancing judge's jam-packed schedule is making it harder to lock him down for filming BGT. A TV insider told The Sun: 'The filming schedule in 2024 meant that Bruno could get away with not being present for filming one week of auditions. 'But it would be virtually impossible for him to miss two weeks, because in the final edit, that equates to half the episodes in the new three-month run of BGT, which will air from February of 2026. 'There is absolutely no ill feeling about the situation, it's simply down to changes in the schedule making it incredibly difficult to remain as a full time judge. 'The only hope is if his long-time friend and fellow panellist Simon Cowell steps in to make it clear that he has to be a part of the show, no matter how difficult it proves to be.' The publication adds that comedian Alan Carr - who narrowly missed out on the spot to Bruno, could be drafted in as his replacement. MailOnline has contacted Britain's Got Talent for comment. Meanwhile, singer KSI, who stood in on the most recent series as a guest judge, is also on the shortlist after winning viewers over. Previously addressing chatter about KSI to become a permanent judge, Bruno showed he wasn't phased. He said: 'We're both young, attractive, multi-talented stars known the world over. 'Joking aside, I think KSI is fantastic — a real charming man full of energy. We attended the BRITs together too, which was a fabulous evening.' He replaced David Walliams who departed the show under a cloud in 2023 It was recently revealed how the auditions for the next series of Britain's Got Talent will take place in just Blackpool, in October. Viewers saw the show kick off in February this year, with episodes airing each Saturday night, replacing the traditional nightly episodes. The live semi-finals - which usually air nightly over the course of one week, were also shown on Saturday nights. MailOnline revealed how Alan, 49, broke down in tears when BGT producers told him he didn't bag the vacant chair on the judging panel as Simon favoured Brno. He said how he 'regretted' the move as it would have seen the funnyman work with close pal Amanda Holden.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Bruno Tonioli set to QUIT Britain's Got Talent judging gig as two favourites to replace him revealed
Bosses have made a huge change to the audition phase of the show BRUNO TONI-GO-LI Bruno Tonioli set to QUIT Britain's Got Talent judging gig as two favourites to replace him revealed BRITAIN'S Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli is poised to leave the show after just two series - with the race to replace him likely to be led by frontrunners KSI and Alan Carr. The ostentatious Italian would find it virtually impossible to film almost two weeks of audition shows taking place this autumn because he's simultaneously committed to filming Dancing with the Stars in the US Advertisement 4 Bruno Tonioli will quit Britain's Got Talent Credit: Splash 4 He is a good friend of Simon Cowell and spent two years on the show Credit: Rex Last year auditions took place over one week at Blackpool in October, when KSI filled in for him, and a second week in London in January, which he was able to attend. Now the auditions will all take place back to back in Blackpool and Birmingham over a single fortnight in October. A TV insider said: 'The filming schedule in 2024 meant that Bruno could get away with not being present for filming one week of auditions. 'But it would be virtually impossible for him to miss two weeks, because in the final edit, that equates to half the episodes in the new three-month run of BGT, which will air from February of 2026. Advertisement 'There is absolutely no ill feeling about the situation, it's simply down to changes in the schedule making it incredibly difficult to remain as a full time judge. 'The only hope is if his long-time friend and fellow panellist Simon Cowell steps in to make it clear that he has to be a part of the show, no matter how difficult it proves to be.' Bruno was hired by Simon in 2023 following the departure of David Walliams from the panel. Alan, who's a long-standing friend of panellist Amanda Holden, was the favourite to replace him. But Simon stepped in at the eleventh hour and insisted it should be Bruno who got the job alongside him, Amanda and Alesha Dixon. Advertisement KSI was a huge hit with viewers when he stepped in for Bruno during last year's Blackpool auditions and when he made a guest appearance during the live semi-finals. The Sun exclusively revealed earlier last month that there was a shake up in the filming for the next series, which would split the auditions between Blackpool and Birmingham. The live semi-finals, which account for the second half of the newly lengthened series of BGT, will still be filmed in London next year. Britain's Got Talent were approached for comment. Britain's Got Talent fans hit out at judge during live final as they rage 'what is he doing-' 4 BGT star Amanda Holden's pal Alan Carr is a favourite to replace him Credit: Getty Advertisement
BBC News
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Calum Scott 'had to leave Hull to make it in music'
Calum Scott says his music career would have never taken off had he stayed in his home city of singer-songwriter, who found fame on Britain's Got Talent, believes there should be more opportunities for people from working class backgrounds like his. "It took me to travel from Hull to Manchester to have my audition at the Lowry theatre, and that was my sliding doors moment," said the 36-year-old. "If I had stayed in Hull, I just would not have had that opportunity."What I want to do moving forward is bring those opportunities up to places like Hull," he added. "We don't have as much of the music industry in Hull – that's a future dream of mine to create a festival or build a studio." Scott found the spotlight on BGT in 2015, when he received Simon Cowell's golden buzzer for his take on Robyn's track Dancing On My Own, which went on to become a top 10 had another hit with Where Are You Now, along with a UK top 10 album, and has now received a Brit Billion Award certifying one billion favourite "pinch me" moments include flying his parents out to LA to sign his record deal, performing for the King alongside Take That and getting Leona Lewis into chip spice – a popular condiment invented in Hull. It is a far cry from his early days as he tried to build a career in a Maroon 5 tribute act playing small clubs and pubs. He said he worries that too many venues are now closing, choking off opportunities for upcoming musicians."I feel like those grassroots, small venues are what helped me build my confidence enough to go on Britain's Got Talent, I was singing in working men's clubs and small pubs, and stuff like that, and I know that that's the same journey for so many people."Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Sam Fender, all these boys have risen through these small venues."They're important places for people to be discovered, for people to hone their talents, and I think we need to do more to keep those venues, and to keep that the way of being able to experience the industry." Scott has previously spoken about how much he owes "everybody in Hull for supporting me in the very beginning" at those small venues "and allowing me to achieve my dreams".Since his breakthrough, he said social media has helped working class artists to have their music heard, but he warned that sustaining viral success can be hard."You could be in your bedroom in a working-class city, and your song could go viral, your video could go viral, so I think the day and age we live in, it's exciting in that sense."What I am more concerned about is the after-effects of that virality."It's a hard thing to work with seeing so many people see your video, and then the very next one, you have 100 views – it can be crushing." Tough crowd Scott's own journey to stardom saw him "being heckled and being booed" at times."It's just one of those things that you kind of push through," he singer recalls a time at a smaller venue in America, when he was starting out, and people were talking through his set."For the first time – I'm not this kind of person – I was like, 'Guys, could we all just be quiet?'"I felt like I wanted the world to swallow me up, I was embarrassed to say that out loud, but I got so much more engagement. People came up to me afterwards and said, 'Good for you for saying that', and I think that kind of stuff toughens you up."Scott will play Zebedee's Yard, in Hull, on 9 August, ahead of a European tour. His album Avenoir is due for release in September. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
