Olly Murs 'buzzing' at being officially announced as new Voice UK coach

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Olly Murs

Olly Murs has revealed he's "absolutely buzzing" as it's confirmed he'll be joining will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones and Jennifer Hudson on The Voice UK

ITV has confirmed rumours that pop star Olly Murs will join will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones and Jennifer Hudson to complete The Voice UK's coaching line-up.

Olly, who takes over from Gavin Rossdale, will perform his first duties for the ITV show this weekend when the Blind auditions begin in Salford.

The former X Favourite said: “I'm absolutely buzzing about being a coach on The Voice UK and can't wait to sit in the big red chair alongside will, Jennifer and Tom. I'm excited to mentor new artists and without doubt, I'm in it to WIN!"

Singer, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur will.i.am returns for his seventh series – the only coach to appear on The Voice UK since the very beginning, back when the show was screened on the Beeb.

The Voice UK

(Image credit: ITV)

Will - who also appeared as a coach on the first series of The Voice Kids on ITV in the summer - said: “There was some amazing talent on The Voice Kids during the summer and now it’s time for the grown-ups auditioning for The Voice season 7 to really step up their game. I'm excited to sit alongside Jennifer and Tom again this year, and I know that Olly will add a fun new twist to this year’s coaches team.”

Sir Tom added: “I’m really looking forward to getting back into my big red chair alongside the other coaches for the next The Voice UK. I’m so proud of my discovery from last season, Into the Ark, so I’m excited to hear and see what undiscovered talent the UK has to offer this series.”

Meanwhile, it was also revealed that Emma Wills will return to present The Voice UK after completing hosting duties on The Voice Kids in the summer.

She said: “I love this time of year because, if I’m lucky enough to get invited back, it means I get to eavesdrop in on some of the most sensational singing talent that this country has to offer whilst hanging out with the megastar coaches.

“It’s an absolute treat to get to work on The Voice UK, I love every minute of it, and I can’t wait to get started."

The new series of The Voice UK will air on ITV early next year.

David Hollingsworth
David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.

Before working for What To Watch, David spent many years working for TV Times magazine, interviewing some of television's most famous stars including Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, singer Lionel Richie and wildlife legend Sir David Attenborough. 

David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.

Other than watching and writing about telly, David loves playing cricket, going to the cinema, trying to improve his tennis and chasing about after his kids!