ITV has just announced it has secured the rights to broadcast The Voice UK from 2017.
The three-year deal is thought to be worth £50 million, according to the Guardian, which reported that the BBC had given up the fight to keep the singing competition that's screened on BBC1 since 2012.
ITV signed the three-year deal with Talpa Global for The Voice, together with a three-season commitment for an ITV2 spin-off show. ITV has also signed a two-series contract for The Voice Kids, a singing show for eight to 14-year-olds.
Talpa Global is the company set up by John De Mol, the billionaire behind Endemol and Big Brother. The Voice has become a global entertainment hit since its Dutch premiere in 2010, now counting close to 65 local versions screening in 180 countries, while The Voice Kids has almost 30 local adaptations.
He said: “We are delighted that The Voice has found a new home at ITV. With the addition of The Voice Kids we are excited about working with ITV in 2017 to develop and expand The Voice experience for the UK audience after completing what we think will be a fantastic upcoming season on the BBC, who have been a great partner.”
The record-breaking show is currently being watched on every continent, attracting more than 300 million viewers, and has over 55 million Facebook fans and more than 10 million Twitter followers.
It's not known how The Voice will work alongside The X Factor in the ITV schedule.
Peter Fincham, Director of Television at ITV, said: “ITV is the natural home of big entertainment so we are thrilled that The Voice and The Voice Kids are both joining our family alongside brilliant shows like The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Saturday Night Takeaway and I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here.”
