Dixon committed to 'Dancing' role

Alesha Dixon would never quit 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

The judge - who won the series five of the BBC One reality television show in 2007 - admitted while being criticised for replacing choreographer Arlene Phillips on the judging panel last year was "hurtful", she thinks the situation was blown out of proportion.

She explained: "I can't deny it was hurtful because it was, and what did take me by surprise was the fact that a lot of the negativity happened before I had even opened my mouth. Some of it was personal and that was really tough to deal with. I did feel a lot of it was blown out of proportion, however.

"I am not the type to quit. I am a fighter and I knew I had to just let it all pass by. I was determined to hold my head high. There is no way I was going to ever give in."

The former Mis-Teeq singer claims to be a lot more relaxed about her role this year, and believes it's the celebrity contestants who have the most difficult job.

Alesha added to new! magazine: "I'm just really relaxed actually. I've got the easy part. It's the celebrities who have the hard job. It's all about the contestants and no matter how much flak I was taking, I knew my part was very small compared to what they were all going through.

"There is no respite - training takes over! At the same time, you really pray you won't get voted out as it's just such an incredible experience. I feel honoured to have the best seat in the house."