Britain’s Got Talent star Alesha Dixon expecting her first child with Nigeran boyfriend Azuka Ononye

A statement from the pop star’s representative read: "Alesha Dixon and her partner Azuka Ononye are delighted to announce that they are expecting their first child later this year.

"Alesha and Azuka are looking forward to this happy chapter in their lives and would request privacy to enjoy this happy and most important event."

Alesha first met Azuka in 2006 when he was hired as a backing dancer following the split of her band Mis-Teeq.

After forming a friendship, they once again worked together when she was promoting her last album The Entertainer in 2010.

In September 2011, they enjoyed a getaway to five-star yoga retreat Shanti-Som on the Costa del Sol and began to spend more time together in early 2012.

Alesha was previously married to So Solid Crew member MC Harvey, real name Michael Harvey Jnr, who she married in 2005 at stately home Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.

Their relationship ended in 2006 when she discovered he cheated on her with her pop pal Javine Hylton.