Alesha Dixon has spoken for the first time about landing a new job on ITV, with support coming in from new Strictly Come Dancing host Emma Willis. The Britain's Got Talent judge was announced as a new co-host of The Voice UK, after questions were raised about whether Emma would continue her duties on the programme after she took on the Strictly gig alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
New role on The Voice UK
The ITV singing series was initially presented by Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates from 2012 to 2014. Joining the series with JLS member Marvin Humes, who left after three years of co-hosting, Emma has been presenting The Voice on her own since 2017. But ITV confirmed earlier in September that she has left the programme, and would be replaced by Alesha and Stacey Solomon.
Rising to fame with her band Mis-Teeq in the 2000s before launching a solo career, Alesha has been working with ITV for a number of years. She has served as a Britain’s Got Talent judge since 2012. She also has plenty of presenting experience, having worked on Alesha's Street Dance Stars, Your Face Sounds Familiar, Text Santa, Dance Dance Dance, and The Greatest Dancer. She’s also hosted Comic Relief and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Stacey Solomon's experience
Meanwhile, Stacey will be offering her singing competition experience, with her finishing in third place on The X Factor in 2009. The 36-year-old quickly moved to the world of TV, with her learning the ropes as a regular panellist on Loose Women. During the 2010s, Stacey has hosted Sing If You Can, The Love Machine and I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp. Since 2021, she has been the host of Sort Your Life Out on the BBC.
A couple of weeks on from the news and Alesha has now taking to Instagram with her first comments about her new presenting gig. Sharing a string of behind-the-scenes snaps of her posing in a stunning black cut-out dress, she told her followers: "Sitting on Business! @thevoiceuk Host! Excited to bring some energy & vibes to the team."
Emma Willis' response
And Emma was quick to respond. She commented on the post: "Have an absolute blast babe," and showing her appreciation, Alesha replied: "Awww thank you so much my lovely! Means a lot! Wishing you all the best too beautiful lady."
The Voice also confirmed that Manchester rapper Aitch and pop icon Cheryl are replacing Sir Tom Jones and McFly duo Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones on the judging panel. Addressing the exits, including Emma’s, ITV said: “ITV would like to thank the irreplaceable Sir Tom Jones for all his years on The Voice UK, and the countless incredible and unforgettable moments he gave the show. He has brought joy to audiences, and to every singer who performed for him and with him. “We also thank Emma Willis, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones for their brilliant contributions, and who all brought so much dedication, expertise and energy to The Voice UK and wish them the very best of luck as they embark on their next chapters… Series 15 of The Voice UK will broadcast in 2027.”
