Alesha Dixon splits from partner Azuka Ononye after 18 years together as BGT star tells pals they’re ‘more like friends’

TV and music star Alesha Dixon has told pals of a love split with her partner of 18 years Azuka Ononye.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 46, has confided in them that she and the father of her two young daughters are separating.

Despite not being married, Alesha often called Azuka, 43, her “husband” — including once in 2017 on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on BBC1.

But they have not been photographed together in public since March when they attended a music event in London’s Soho.

And in recent pictures, Alesha appears to have been trying to hide her left hand where she had previously worn a ring on her wedding finger.

In October, she was seen without it in a BGT publicity picture.

A friend said: “Alesha’s been quietly telling people close to her that she believes their relationship is over and they’re going to separate.

“She and Azuka have been together almost two decades but their relationship has become more like a friendship.

“They’re devoted parents to their girls, who are 11 and six, and want to focus on keeping their relationship as amicable as possible for their sake.”

On Monday, choreographer and model Azuka was seen at the Wicked premiere at London’s Royal Festival Hall with the couple’s eldest daughter while Alesha stayed away.

On November 15, both were at the Royal Albert Hall gig to watch rapper Nas in concert but appeared to sit on separate sides of the venue.

Azuka shared a snap of himself with friends on the night, but Alesha was not seen with them.

Alesha last put a picture of herself with Azuka on her Instagram account in June.

Two months later, she went by herself to the GRM Gala celebrating the UK’s Black British music and entertainment.

Former Mis-Teeq singer Alesha met Azuka in 2006 following her short-lived marriage to So Solid Crew rapper MC Harvey in 2005 when he confessed to an affair with singer Javine Hylton.

She had hired Azuka, also a creative director, as a dancer for her singing tour.

Opening up about the start of their relationship, Alesha said she “played hard to get” before suffering an injury that Azuka nursed her through.

She added: “I had a foot operation and I couldn’t walk. He was literally sleeping on the floor, looking after me every day.

“I was just looking at him thinking, ‘That is for better or for worse isn’t it?’. I looked a state. He was sleeping on the floor because I was on the couch. I couldn’t even get up the stairs. If he can carry me to the toilet, he’s a keeper.”

The couple’s first daughter was born in 2013 and their second in 2019.

In 2022, Alesha said: “I make a very conscious effort that my daughters have a very loving, supportive home with two parents who are great role models.”

Alesha finished filming the first round of BGT auditions last month and will return to work on the ITV show in the New Year alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Bruno Tonioli.

Her agent declined to comment last night.