Alesha Dixon has revealed who she is backing in this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 37-year-old singer, who won the BBC One competition in 2007 and was a judge on the show, is supporting Peter Andre and The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness.

Peter Andre and Janette Manrara on Strictly Come Dancing
Peter Andre and Janette Manrara (Kieron McCarron/BBC)

“I’m rooting for Peter because he is so nice – everyone always asks me if he is as nice as he seems – and I always say, ‘Yes, he absolutely is’,” she said.

The Mysterious Girl singer’s odds to be eliminated have been slashed to 3-1 by bookmakers William Hill, with Katie Derham and EastEnders actress Kellie Bright favourites to be out of the programme this weekend.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: “Peter has been the star attraction that everyone expected but with Jamelia claiming a fix last week he could well get the boot this weekend.”

She added: “I also like Jay because he’s so humble but such a good dancer.”

Jay is one of the bookies’ favourites to win this year’s series, alongside Georgia May Foote and Anita Rani.

Alesha, who replaced Arlene Phillips on the judging panel in 2009, had praise for the show’s hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in the wake of Sir Bruce Forsyth’s departure as a regular presenter.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman (Kieron McCarron/BBC)

“It’s great with the girls presenting it, of course, but basically the whole show is a winning formula. It has everything,” said the former Mis-Teeq star.

The mother-of-one, who will voice the part of Winded Winnie the tiger in Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins, added: “I love watching Strictly and have very happy memories of my time there.”