BBC's 'The Voice UK' to Bring Back All Four Coaches for Season 2

LONDON - BBC One said late Tuesday that all four coaches, Tom Jones, will.i.am, Jessie J and Danny O’Donoghue, will return for the second season of The Voice UK.

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The season will start in the spring.

The first season of The Voice UK was BBC One’s biggest new entertainment series on record with a consolidated audience average of 9.2 million.

Mark Linsey, controller entertainment commissioning, said: “I am so thrilled that our four coaches are coming back for series two. All of them are hugely talented individuals and their immense knowledge and first-hand experience in the music industry makes it a line-up that is authentic and second to none. They care passionately about singing and all four of them will want to be the coach that discovers the next winner of The Voice.”

Jones said: "I've heard there will be some important changes that will make what is already a good, strong show even better."

BBC executives have previously said that, similar to the U.S. version of the show, the turning chairs will play an extended role in the new season.

The first season's ratings early on beat out Britain's Got Talent on ITV, but viewership dropped off after the initial rounds, with viewers saying the show was too similar to other music competition shows. Some observers had therefore predicted that the show could also look to make some changes to the group of coaches.

"This season is gonna be doper than last year!!" will.i.am said in a statement.

Added Jessie J: "It’s going to be even bigger and better this time and I can't wait. Bring it on."

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai