Alesha Dixon 'leaning on' Amanda Holden amid 'split' from 'husband' Azuka Ononye

Alesha Dixon is said to be 'leaning on' her close friend and Britain's Got Talent co-star Amanda Holden, after it was reported that she has split from her 'husband' Azuka Ononye

After nearly 20 years together, a friend of Alesha Dixon reportedly told The Sun last week that the BGT judge has ended things with her 'husband', choreographer Azuka Ononye. Now, as the mum-of-two embarks on this new phase in her life, it seems her closest friends are rallying around her - especially her Britain's Got Talent co-host and good mate, Amanda Holden. Despite never officially tying the knot with Azuka, Alesha often referred to him as her 'husband', and gossip started swirling when it was suggested that the 46 year old had decided to end their relationship. Allegedly, the TV star confided in her inner circle that her love story with the dancer had run its course and they had chosen to part ways.

For Alesha, newly single and adjusting, Amanda will undoubtedly be there to lend a shoulder to lean on, if needed. Amanda and Alesha's friendship first bloomed when they met on Britain's Got Talent and it's only grown stronger over the years, reports OK!. In fact, Alesha's even confessed that if Amanda were to leave the show, she "might not still be sitting here five or six years later" - labelling their tight-knit friendship as the "secret ingredient." And according to an insider, it's their mutual understanding of what it truly takes to survive in this industry that's solidified their bond.

Amanda, who has had her fair share of public relationship breakdowns - most notably with Les Dennis, after their marriage was rocked by an affair and ended in divorce - is sure to empathise with what Alesha is going through. During Alesha and Azuka's nearly two decades together, Alesha - who previously tied the knot to Brit rapper MC Harvey from So Solid Crew back in 2005 - rose to stardom.

First making a name for herself in the UK music scene, her fame then skyrocketed due to appearances on popular shows like Strictly Come Dancing. Our insider shared: "Amanda knows what it's like being the 'famous' one in a family, so has really taken Alesha under her wing to make sure she's alright. Amanda has been amazing and understanding of the situation." In fact, when Alesha joined the BGT judging panel in 2012, Amanda was determined that they would be firm friends and stated quite bluntly: "I couldn't bear that everyone was going to try and pit us against each other, as I'm a mother of two girls and love women."

Alesha also said: "From day one, when I joined the show, Amanda and I sat down together and we made a pact that we would have each other's backs and stick together. We have daughters and we want to set a good example. And we're grown women. In the past, there have been shows where the women are pitted against each other and fortunately, that's not in our nature. We speak all the time, it's a very natural friendship."

Alesha, who is a loving mum to Azura Sienna, ten, and Anaya Safiya, four, hasn't been seen with hubby Azuka for quite some time now, nearly touching six months. The two haven't struck a pose together on social media since March, and eagle-eyed fans have noticed that Alesha has been hiding her wedding hand in recent snaps. The couple's love story reads like a fairy tale. Azuka first caught Alesha's eye when he was dancing in the background on one of her tours.

Initially playing it cool for about a year, their romance sparked into flame after Alesha injured herself. "I couldn't walk," she disclosed about the incident, revealing how devoted Azuka had been, "and he was literally sleeping on the floor looking after me every day." It was this caring act that made Alesha quip he was "a keeper." Fast-forwarding through their whirlwind romance, they celebrated the arrival of their first bundle of joy, Azura, with Alesha announcing the news on her 35th birthday. The joy doubled when seven years later, in 2019, little Anaya arrived - once again shared with the world on Alesha's birthday, marking her 41st.

However, whispers suggest that fame could be drawing a wedge between them. Our source divulged, "Alesha has become a really big star - more than she could have ever imagined - but when she first met Azuka, he was like her knight in shining armour after a string of bad relationships. Nothing bad has happened between them, they've just drifted apart." Alesha Dixon's recent split from Azuka Ononye stunned fans, especially since the Britain's Got Talent judge had just opened up to OK! about her life. She shared: "I like to just hang out with my family on down days. I'll have a nice glass of red wine and watch a good show. Or I like to dance and go out to party, it depends what mood I'm in. But generally, anything that involves music and the people I love most is what I do to take time for myself."

Now, she's embracing that solo time, focusing on work and family, our insider reveals. They added: "As Alesha works out her next steps, she's not only focussing on new projects happening and really throwing herself into work." It seems girl time is also a priority, as Alesha recently enjoyed a retreat with her stepmum and sister, sharing a selfie in a cosy robe at Champney's spa. Her Instagram story thanked the spa: "Thank you @champneysspas for looking after my step mama so well! She had a lovely birthday."