'Strictly' champ Alesha feels 'blessed'

Strictly Come Dancing star Alesha Dixon has said that she feels 'blessed' to have a second chance in the music industry.

The former Mis-Teeq member was dropped as a solo artist by Polydor in 2006, but was offered a new contract after winning the televised dancing contest.

Her new LP The Alesha Show will be released on November 17, with the single 'The Boy Does Nothing' out on November 10.

She told the BBC: "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."

Earlier this month, the singer told DS that she never stopped recording despite being dropped by the label.

"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.

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