will.i.am has confirmed that he will return as a coach on the next series of The Voice UK when it moves to ITV.
In a statement, 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.”
The rapper confirmed that he will also appear on the spin-off kids version and made a joke about the recent Brexit. He said: “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.”
Siobhan Greene, head of entertainment at ITV added: “We are thrilled to bits that will.i.am’s signed up to ITV for The Voice UK and The Voice Kids. He’s such an important part of the DNA of the show and that was one of the many reasons we had to have him in his chair.
“Will’s eye for talent, and unique and creative flair for mentoring means we can’t wait to see what happens next.”
will.i.am was the winning coach of The Voice UK series three, when Jermain Jackman took the crown. He has had an act in the final during every series. Most recently, he coached Lydia Lucy to the final and has since given her a platform to perform alongside him at the Royal Albert Hall and Capital’s Summertime Ball.
Whilst many rumours about new coaches have been flying around, Will is the first to be confirmed for the new series. ITV has already announced that Emma Willis will also return to present the show.
The Voice UK will make its ITV debut in 2017.
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