Niall Horan divides The Voice fans after heated 'feud' with co-star
Niall Horan has left fans divided during his explosive debut as a new coach on The Voice.
The former One Direction star, 29, found himself in a heated "feud" with his co-star Blake Shelton as The Voice finally returned to our screens on Monday night.
Viewers were kept entertained by the rivalry between Niall and 46-year-old Blake and took to Twitter to discuss whose side they're on.
During the episode, Niall mimicked Blake's accent and made repeated jokes about how the star is leaving the show after 23 seasons.
Blake didn't take Niall's jibes lying down and hit back at the musician, downplaying his talents to The Voice hopefuls and also mocking his accent.
Becky Hill fears she 'f***ed up' her Best Dance Act BRIT Award acceptance speechTaking to social media, many decided to throw their support behind Team Niall.
"Niall You did great. You're my favorite coach #TeamNiall All the way," one person wrote.
Another said: "Amazing! I love seeing you as a coach. #TeamNiall for the win," while a third added: "HOW DID YOU DO ? is that even a question to ask niall horan u were phenomeniall…yeah l love being dramatic."
However, Blake proved he was still a fan favourite, with one person tweeting: "We’re here to support you for the last time #TeamBlake forever."
"Blake mispronouncing Niall’s name was so funny, Niall was so p****d off," another person joked, while a third said: "ALWAYS GONNA VOTE FOR #TeamBlake He always has the BEST team!!"
Niall and Blake's rivalry was all in good fun and the co-stars even acknowledged the jokey competition between them.
Throughout the show, Niall even called Blake "dad".
"I love the chemistry between @NiallOfficial and @blakeshelton. The father and son thing is hilarious," one person tweeted after the show.
Another agreed: "I love Niall and Blake's father-son relationship."
Blake announced he's quitting the show back in October as he shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram.
Ricky Wilson worked out fellow Masked Singer identities despite intense secrecyHe said: "This show has changed my life in every way for the better, and it will always feel like home to me.
"It's been a hell of a ride over these 12 years of chair turns, and I want to thank everyone at The Voice from NBC, every producer, the writers, musicians, crew and catering people, you are the best.
"It takes a lot of work, passion, and adult beverages (Ha!) to pull off a live show twice a week."
He added: "I've made lifelong bonds with Carson [Daly] and every single one [of] my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife Gwen Stefani!"