Alesha Dixon’s ‘shock split’ from partner of almost 20 years

Alesha Dixon has shocked fans as reports have emerged that she has split with her long-term partner Azuka Ononye, after 18 years together.

The couple, who share two daughters together, decided to part ways as their relationship was beginning to feel ‘more like a friendship.’ They share 11-year-old Azura and six-year-old Anaya together and have always appeared to be a strong family unit.

A source 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.’

Rumours of a split began to emerge when both 46-year-old Alesha and 43-year-old Azuka attended rapper Nas’ concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in November but went separately and sat at opposite sides of the venue. 

They haven’t been spotted in public together since March when they were pictured at a music event. The dad-of-two recently attended Wicked’s London premiere with their eldest daughter Azura, without Alesha.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge first met Azuka in 2006 and spent the first year playing hard to get. She has just come out of a year-long marriage with So Solid Crew rapper MC Harvey, after it emerged that he had been cheating on her.

It was never clear as to whether Alesha and Azuka were ever married. Neither party has ever confirmed that they tied the knot, but the rapper has referred to him as her ‘husband’ from time to time.

Alesha’s introduction of her former partner as her ‘lovely husband’ on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show Christmas Special in December 2017, led to speculation that the pair may have gotten married in secret.

Neither Alesha nor Azuka have publically addressed the split.