ITV 'axes' major talent show with celebrity judging panel after six years

29 July 2023 , 19:37

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ITV 'axes' major talent show with celebrity judging panel after six years

The Voice Kids has been shelved by ITV, it's been reported. The talent show, which sees Danny Jones, Pixie Lott, Ronan Keating and Will.i.am share their music industry knowledge as judges, won't return to our screens next years.

It's claimed the decision has been made amid a decline in the popularity of talent shows. "The show had a good run and had its own fanbase, but execs are keen to free up scheduling space for other new programming to keep ideas as fresh as possible," a source claims when discussing the supposed axe.

The Voice Kids premiered on ITV back in June 2017 and has broadcast seven series since then. In addition to Danny, Pixie, Ronan and Will.i.am, stars like Jessie J, Paloma Faith and Spice Girls legend Melanie C have also appeared on the talent show as celebrity judges.

ITV confirmed to the Mirror that The Voice Kids won't be aired next year (ITV)

"The cast have great memories from the series, but have plenty of other projects to keep them busy," the insider went on to tell The Sun. An ITV spokesperson told the Mirror this evening: "After seven fantastic series on ITV1 and ITVX, The Voice Kids is taking a break in 2024. We’re working with Lifted Entertainment on The Voice UK for 2024 and development of The Voice branded specials."

The winners of the seven series of The Voice Kids have been: Jess Folley, Daniel Davies, Sam Wilkinson, Justine Afante, Torrin Cuthill, Israella Chris and Shanice & Andrea Nyandoro. The talent competition is open to aspiring singers from the age of seven to 14, with the lucky winners receiving a monetary prize and a family holiday.

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Former Big Brother presenter Emma Willis was announced as the presenter of The Voice Kids in 2016, saying at the time: "Hosting The Voice Kids will be like being at my house on a Saturday night; lots of kids singing, with me trying to keep some kind of order. Thankfully, the musical genius that is will.i.am is there to bring some expertise to the table. It’s going to be pretty awesome."

Singing duo Andrea and Shanice beat other young hopefuls to win the last series of The Voice Kids - giving their coach will.i.am his first win after seven series of the ITV show. After being crowned champions, the sisters said: "We're feeling very good and excited - we can't believe it." The siblings bagged themselves a family holiday to Universal Orlando Resort Florida - as did all the other finalists.

Zoe Delaney