The Voice UK fans face major blow after ITV reveals shake-up

Metro

6 hours ago

Fans of The Voice UK might have a little longer than usual to wait for their next fix of the ITV singing show.
The Voice premiered on BBC One in 2012, airing on the channel for five series before ITV acquired the rights in 2017.
With Emma Willis serving as host, the 2025 series was due to air this autumn.
However, according to reports, the launch date has been pushed back to early 2026.
As claimed by insiders to The Sun, the UK edition of the global franchise will air next January as the schedule undergoes a shake-up.
Episodes will reportedly air on weekend nights, but it is yet to be confirmed whether it'll be a Saturday or a Sunday slot.
The last series of The Voice UK – which aspires to make stars of unsigned musicians – was won by Ava Manning, who was mentored by the show's first-ever coaching duo, McFly's Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher.
But it's not just the schedule getting a rejig this time, as the famous faces sitting in those iconic red chairs will also have a fresh addition.
US pop star Kelly Rowland has been confirmed as a new coach, replacing Can't Fight the Moonlight hitmaker LeAnn Rimes.
LeAnn, 42, left the show to focus more on her US career, having featured on just one series after the axing of Olly Murs and Anne-Marie.
She will now appear as a mentor on the American version of The Voice, alongside Sheryl Crow.
As for Kelly, she's certainly no stranger to a judging role.
The Destiny's Child legend, 44, famously sat beside Gary Barlow, Tulisa, and Louis Walsh on the UK X Factor in 2011, when girl group Little Mix triumphed.
She's also coached singing talent on The Voice Australia, replacing Ronan Keating in 2016 and becoming the winning coach for series 7 when two of her contestants made the final.
Speaking ahead of making her Voice UK debut, the Bootylicious hitmaker said: 'I am excited to join The Voice UK as a coach and am looking forward to working with the excellent and passionate coaches the show is known for.
'I can't wait to hear all the new talent and to go to battle for my team. Let's go!'
Presenter Emma, who has been fronting the programme since series 3, has also expressed her excitement to watch Kelly in action.
'I'm so excited to be back for another series of The Voice UK,' she declared.
'It's one of the most joyful shows to work on – full of passion, talent, and, of course, those unforgettable moments when the chairs turn.'
'With our brilliant coaches returning and the utterly fabulous Kelly Rowland joining the panel, I know this series is going to be something really special,' she teased.
Kelly will sit on the panel beside returning duo Danny and Tom, plus Welsh legend Sir Tom Jones, and Will.i.am, who have been part of The Voice furniture since the start.
Sir Tom's only absence was for series 5, when his axing caused widespread outrage among viewers.
At the time, Sir Tom claimed he had no idea he had supposedly been let go from his coaching role, but, much to everyone's delight, he was back the following year.
In a press statement ahead of the 2026 series, he said that 'it's always a pleasure to return to The Voice UK as, every year, [he's] reminded of the incredible talent we have in this country.'
'I'm looking forward to sitting alongside Will.i.am once again, having Tom and Danny in their chair for a second series, and of course, I'm excited to welcome Kelly Rowland to the panel,' he said. 'She's an amazing artist with a huge amount of experience to share.' More Trending
Plenty of dazzling stars with decades of music experience under their belts have coached on the show in the past, including Jessie J, Kylie Minogue, Ricky Wilson, Boy George, and Rita Ora.
As well as a life-changing record deal with Universal Music, The Voice UK awards its winner with £50,000 in cash and a trip to Universal Studios Florida.
ITV has been contacted for comment.
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The Voice UK returns to screens on ITV next year.
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