Dixon: 'I'm not always a nice girl'

Alesha Dixon has dismissed claims that she never says anything bad about other people.

The singer insisted that she gives honest personality appraisals but is not negative for the sake of it.

"If I didn't like someone or something I'd probably just tell you, but equally I don't know what's to gain from being negative about someone else. I don't feel the need to get that sort of publicity," she told DS.

"I'd prefer to be known for my music and I'm actually quite content when I'm not in the public eye."

The star, who recently admitted that she had forgiven ex-husband MC Harvey for cheating on her, applauded celebrities like Lily Allen for making controversial comments.

"She is very brash and she is who she is because she's not scared to say what she feels. I really love that about her.

"There might be people who have just as strong opinions as her but are scared to say it. We need people like Lily and I like the fact that you never know what she's going to come out with."

Dixon releases her new single 'Breathe Slow' on February 9.

> Click here to read our interview with Alesha Dixon in full