Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon 'splits from partner' after 18 years

Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon has reportedly shared with friends that she is parting ways with her partner of 18 years. The singer and TV star, 46, shares two daughters with Azuka Ononye.

Despite not being officially married, Alesha often referred to Azuka, 43, as her "husband", including once in 2017 on Michael McIntyre's Big Show on BBC1. However, they have not been seen together in public since March when they attended a music event in London's Soho.

In recent photos, Alesha seems to be concealing her left hand where she used to wear a ring on her wedding finger. In October, she was spotted without it in a BGT promotional photo.

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A close friend told The Sun : "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."

Former Mis-Teeq vocalist Alesha first crossed paths with Azuka in 2006, following the end of her brief marriage to So Solid Crew rapper MC Harvey in 2005, after he admitted to an affair with singer Javine Hylton. Azuka, who also works as a creative director, was initially hired by Alesha as a dancer for her singing tour.

Reflecting on the early days of their relationship, Alesha said: "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."