The Voice UK has returned to ITV1 for a new series, with Emma Willis back on hosting duties just weeks before she makes her debut on rival Saturday night show Strictly Come Dancing.
Returning mentors Tom Jones, Will.i.am, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones are joined on the panel by newcomer Kelly Rowland. The Destiny's Child star and former X Factor judge replaces LeAnn Rimes, who left the show after one season.
Kelly Rowland joins the panel
In a statement, Kelly 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!”
The other coaches shared their support, with Sir Tom saying Kelly was "an amazing artist with a huge amount of experience to share", while will.i.am said she will "take this season to the dopest level possible". ITV’s director of entertainment and daytime commissioning, Katie Rawcliffe, also said Kelly would "bring fresh insights and even more energy to the panel".
Fans react on social media
Within minutes of The Voice UK starting, viewers took to social media to have their say, with plenty of love for the new judge. One said: "Kelly will be brilliant #thevoiceuk." Another posted: "I remember when Kelly Rowland was an X factor judge. She really is having her full circle moment (clapping emoji)."
A third said: "They got Kelly Rowland on the panel and for the first time in 15 years DIDN’T open the series with a coaches performance?! Fire the producers #TheVoiceUK." Others were delighted to see the show return, with one commenting: "Finally! Something decent on the tellybox on a Saturday night!" and another saying: "Yesssss can’t believe it’s back I’ve been WAITING!! #thevoiceuk." One more fan posted: "Alright, let's finally do this. Roll on the blind auditions!! #TheVoiceUK."
New Rewind button introduced
With only eight places available on each team, the coaches must choose carefully as they search for the UK's most exciting singing talent. For the first time, the Rewind button gives them the chance to bring back an artist they regret letting go.
It means one coach will be given the chance during the Blind Auditions to change their mind about an act that has left the stage without a single chair turn. Ahead of the opening episode, ITV teased: “If a coach realises they have made a mistake, they can hit Rewind, bring the act back, and offer them a place on their team. However, with only one Rewind available to each coach, they must choose their moment wisely. For an act who thought their journey was over, it could change everything…”
The Voice UK airs on ITV1 on Saturdays and on ITVX, as well as STV and STV Player.
