Emma Willis has reportedly quit The Voice UK after more than 12 years as host, with Maya Jama emerging as the frontrunner to replace her, according to The Sun.
The 50-year-old presenter is said to have confirmed her departure from the singing competition, which she has hosted since it launched on ITV in 2014. Her exit comes as she lands a new role on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, joining Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
Maya Jama in Talks with ITV
Maya Jama, best known for hosting Love Island, has allegedly held several meetings with ITV producers in recent months and has now been offered the role. However, the 31-year-old is weighing up other projects, including opportunities in the US.
‘There have been a lot of approaches to Maya from various networks, including ITV, and shows in the UK and Stateside,’ a source told The Sun. ‘The Voice producers and her did have meetings but because of her other commitments the conversation didn’t progress. Right now, she and her management are evaluating all of the opportunities and planning her next moves.’
If accepted, The Voice would mark Maya’s second ITV primetime entertainment show after she fronted Simon Cowell’s Walk The Line, which aired for a single series in 2021.
Changes Ahead for The Voice UK
The next series of The Voice UK is due to film this autumn and is expected to have a refreshed look. This comes after coaches Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher of McFly are also reportedly leaving the programme.
ITV has not confirmed who will replace Emma, and Maya has not publicly commented on the reports. Earlier this year, Maya split from Manchester City footballer Ruben Dias after 18 months together, just three weeks before she flew to Inverness to film The Celebrity Traitors.
Metro has contacted ITV, Emma, and Maya for comment.
