Alesha Dixon says she is best pals with Amanda Holden after judging on Britain’s Got Talent

Alesha Dixon says she is best pals with Amanda Holden after judging on Britain’s Got Talent

While saucy comic David Walliams’ jokey flirting with fellow judge Simon Cowell grabbed headlines, off-screen, Amanda and Alesha were quietly becoming firm friends.

Alesha said: “Simon and David had the bromance but Amanda and I are just as close, maybe closer. We’re 100 per cent friends.”

And the singer confirmed that although next year’s contracts are yet to be signed, all four judges will return for next year’s BGT.

Alesha said: “Simon’s really open about not wanting to change the panel. We all want to come back and can’t wait for 2013.”

Alesha was poached by Simon from Strictly Come Dancing.

On the BBC show she had to fight for acceptance, having replaced Arlene Phillips. But on BGT, Alesha was an instant hit.

She was relieved at the warm welcome, especially from Amanda.

Alesha said: “On BGT prior to the live shows, all the focus was on David and Simon’s lovely bromance but when the live shows happened you could see Amanda and I genuinely got on really well.

“I had respect for Amanda before I met her and she was so welcoming to David and me.

“She took me out for coffee and we had a good chinwag and we both got on. We’re just grateful for doing something we both enjoy.”

Unlike on The X Factor, where the female judges have had endless wardrobe competitions, Amanda and Alesha planned their outfits together â€" with a little help from their stylists of course.

Alesha said: “Amanda is so straight talking, I love that about her and she’s good fun.”

While Alesha has a background in music, first with band Mis-Teeq then as a solo artist, she is glad Simon picked her for BGT over The X Factor.

She said: “I love being on BGT. I watch X Factor and I’m a fan but it’s a completely different show because on the X Factor the judges are competing against one another so there is bound to be that bit of tension, whereas we’re in it together as a team.”

With Simon currently in LA filming X Factor USA, Alesha has grown closer to David too. So much so they’ve joined the official Show Your Support Olympics campaign together.

Alesha says: “There is this natural chemistry there and that’s all you can wish for.

“I had a nice dinner with Amanda and David the other week. We try to keep in touch when the show’s not on because we all really get on. David isn’t always naughty â€" he was quite chilled when we went out for dinner, but he’s always witty and making jokes. He’s such a good guy and such great value.”

Alesha is looking forward to the Olympics. She said: “I can’t wait, I’m such a massive sports fan. I can’t wait to see the track and field events, that’s my favourite part.

“It’s a really strong year for this country.

“BGT was an amazing start to the summer, then the Diamond Jubilee, now the Olympics are coming... ”

Alesha is showing her support with the limited-edition supporters’ scarf â€" available to buy now from the official Olympic clothing and homeware supplier, Next, in store or online at next.co.uk.