Alesha: 'Strictly saved my life'

Alesha Dixon has claimed that appearing on Strictly Come Dancing saved her life after she was on the verge of suicide this time last year.

The former Mis-Teeq singer, who won the dance competition on Saturday, revealed that she wanted to end her life last Christmas when she found out that her husband MC Harvey was having an affair with her friend Javine Hylton.

Within two weeks of the revelation Dixon was then dropped by her record label after her solo material failed to make enough sales.

She told The Sun: "It was the lowest point of my life. I just kept thinking, 'What have I done to deserve this?' I didn't see the point in living."

Dixon has also had to deal with the news that Hylton is pregnant with Harvey.

However, she has insisted that competing in the BBC1 show has helped her get over her personal struggles.

She said: "Last Christmas was a real, real low point. Anyone who knows me knows that my music career and marriage were the most important things. And I lost them within two weeks of each other."

Dixon added: "Look at me now. I've learned to dance, I'm happy and I believe it was meant to happen. Strictly has just given me a real zest for life. I thrive on hard work and even though my body is in pain and tired, my first choice is to get up and do something. Life is so short. We should all grasp it."

Reports claim that she is in talks to star in West End musical Chicago.

> Click here for more on Alesha's win