Alesha Dixon: I’ve created a mixed-race female hero for my daughter as I didn’t have one

Dixon said she was forced to find role models in America when she was growing up 
Role model: Alesha Dixon came up with character Aurora Beam for her daughter Azura
Ken McKay/ITV/Rex
Emma Powell6 April 2018
The Weekender

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Alesha Dixon said she created a mixed-race female superhero for her debut children’s book to give her daughter a role model, as she had struggled to find one growing up that reflected her.

The singer and TV star, who has four-year-old Azura with her partner Azuka Ononye, has released her book, Lightning Girl, which follows heroine Aurora Beam. Dixon said she wanted her daughter to feel she is reflected in popular culture.

“There is a lack of female superheroes and an imbalance that still needs to be addressed and so it felt really important to create a strong female role model,” she told A List.

“[Aurora’s] 11 years old and she’s mixed heritage. When I look around there aren’t many characters like her. All you want as a parent is balance.

Proud: Alesha Dixon launches of her first book, Lightning Girl
Yui Mok/PA

“I want [Azura] to read it and feel strong and know she can do whatever she wants and not put limitations on herself. Every child needs to be able to pick up a book and feel they are reflected and see themselves in the characters. It was important children from all backgrounds felt included.”

Speaking about her own experiences Dixon continued: “When I was growing up I remember looking for role models and it was few and far between and I had to look to America for artists I loved.

“The great thing about now is it feels like anything is possible. Anyone from any background now probably feels like they have a voice and a platform. It’s down to individuals to not give up the fight.”

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Dixon said she got “choked up” when her best friend sent her a picture of her son reading the book and said she can’t wait to share the same experience with Azura.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge has already finished book number two, which she hopes to release later this year, and is planning talks to bring Aurora to life in a TV series or film.

She said: “Your brain never stops thinking about the next opportunity and I don’t want to put any limits on the character. I definitely want to see a live action version of this, be it a TV series or a movie or a stage show. I’m looking into that further. I want to bring her to life.”

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