Will.i.am confirms move to ITV: 'I'm not going to Brexit The Voice UK'

Will.i.am
(Image credit: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

US popstar/producer Will.i.am is the first of The Voice UK judges to be confirmed to return after the show's move from BBC1 to ITV

Singer Will.i.am has confirmed he will return as a coach on The Voice when the show moves to its new home on ITV.

The Black Eyed Peas star, who has been on the series since its UK debut in 2012, will also serve as a coach on spin-off The Voice Kids when it starts in 2017.

The coaches from The Voice (left to right) Ricky Wilson, Paloma Faith, Boy George and Will.i.am at a photocall at the studio in Manchester.

The 2015 judging panel (John Giles/PA)

 

He is the first coach to be confirmed as making the move from BBC to ITV.

Will.i.am said: “I’m delighted to be continuing The Voice UK on ITV and being a voice of direction and guidance for the usual suspects, and I’m thrilled to add The Voice Kids to the mix… I know The Voice switched to ITV, but I’m not going to Brexit The Voice UK. I’m happy to make ITV my home now. I love the UK.”

It is not yet known if he will be joined by Ricky Wilson, Paloma Faith and Boy George, who made up the last panel on the BBC.

Emma Willis at the launch of Big Brother

Emma Willis (Isabel Infantes/PA)

 

Emma Willis has already been confirmed as the host of the talent show when the new series debuts early next year. She will also appear on the junior version of the show.

The 40-year-old has been at the helm of the popular talent series, formerly broadcast on BBC One, since 2014.

Matt and Emma Willis attending the press night of American Idiot - Green Days award-winning Broadway musical about three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world - at The Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday July 22, 2015. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire

With her husband Matt Willis (Ian West/PA)

 

She said: “Hosting The Voice Kids will be like being at my house on a Saturday night; lots of kids singing, with me trying to keep some kind of order. Thankfully, the musical genius that is Will.i.am is there to bring some expertise to the table. It’s going to be pretty awesome.”

The children’s show will be open to young solo singers between the ages of seven and 14.

The winner of the 2017 series will be given a record contract with Polydor Records, home to global music stars such as Take That and Ellie Goulding.

 

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