Alesha Dixon has been announced as the new face of American cosmetics giant Avon.

The 33-year old Strictly Come Dancing judge has been awarded the brand new role of Beauty and Empowerment Ambassador for the UK and Ireland.

Alesha will also be a spokesperson Avon’s domestic violence initiatives. The company has already given half a million pounds to its charity partners Refuge, UN WOMEN and Women’s Aid to help put a stop to violence against women.

Alesha is delighted with her new role, saying “Avon has a real heart and a true passion for helping to improve the lives of women, so I hope to make a difference through generating awareness for a cause that is so close to me.”

In her new role, one of the first things she’ll be doing is to launch Avon’s newest foundation “Ideal Flawless” which will see the Strictly judge appearing in catalogues next year. Those following the Strictly Come Dancing odds will be impressed.

Alesha was chosen to replace the previous Strictly judge 67-year-old Arlene Phillips on the panel in 2009. The selection followed Alesha’s win as a contestant in Strictly’s Series 5 with dance partner Matthew Cutler in 2007. Anyone looking at the Strictly Come dancing winner odds should bear this in mind.

She first came to fame with pop group Mis-Teeq, but the trio separated in 2005 and Alesha launched a solo career with mixed results.

Since appearing as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing Alesha has faced a barrage of criticism for her “nice but dim” type of approach. She is the least dance-qualified of the panel, but has won a lot of popularity amongst many viewers for her friendly style and generous marking.

At the time of her initial selection, she described the criticism as a storm in a teacup – and for many of us, she presents a refreshing change from the harsh analysis of the other judges.

As well as the sambas, salsas, rumbas and foxtrots, one of the things that keeps us glued to the screen when Strictly Come Dancing is on, is what fabulous outfits the celebrity contestants will be wearing.

Some take more convincing than others, but eventually nearly all of the boys crack out the (sequinned) guns and get those oiled, fake tanned heavages on show (that’s male cleavages if you’re not familiar). This series is no different, and we’ve been treated to more than a fleeting glance of Harry Judd’s glistening pecs as he dances the night away with redheaded professional dance partner Aliona Vilani. People looking at the Strictly Come Dancing odds should remember this.

Also treating us to a glimpse of the old oiled chest and shiny guns this series are former footballer and sporter of the most luscious golden locks on tele, Robbie Savage; TV presenter and very tall person Dan Lobb; former boxer and man mountain Audley Harrison; and fan of colourful coats, Jason Donavan.

Impressionist Rory Bremner and astrological barrel of fun Russell Grant are maintaining their modesty with a more covered up look, but never one to be accused of subtlety, Russell has been compensating admirably by reportedly using up the show’s entire budget for rhinestones in his outfits. Those following the Strictly Come dancing winner odds should bear this in mind.

But enough about the men, what about the female contestants? Well, this week’s show featured a rather fabulous cat suit, sported by none other than Welsh wonder and The One Show presenter, Alex Jones. Seasoned Strictly fans will recall a previous memorable cat suit moment on the show, brought to us by professional dancer Ola Jordan.

In week one of Strictly Come Dancing series six, the mini sex siren strutted her stuff in a hot to trot figure-hugging cat suit. So did the thinking man’s Christine Bleakley compare? It’s a close call!