Alesha discusses record label axe

Alesha Dixon has admitted that losing her record deal was an upsetting experience.

The ex-Mis-Teeq singer was due to release her first solo album Fired Up through Polydor in 2006 but her music contract was terminated.

She said: "When Polydor dropped me, at that point as an artist, I didn't know whether I would be signed by another major label. But deep down in my heart I believed that I would - even though I was upset."

The Strictly Come Dancing winner subsequently signed a four-album deal with Asylum Records.

Discussing her new contract, she said: "Asylum Records are hungry and they are going to work hard. They believe in me and the ideas are flowing out. The way the album is shaping up - things really couldn't be better."

She added that it is vital for young artists to think carefully before signing a record deal, saying: "It's really important you take ownership of things and that you don't hastily sign contracts you're not sure about because you can get really screwed over."