Voice Kids ‘fortress’ amid terror fears
BOSSES RAMP UP SECURITY TO STOP ATTACK ON FINAL
BOSSES on The Voice Kids have built a “fortress” around tonight’s final amid fears it could be a terror target.
Host Emma Willis revealed how security has been beefed up to deter attacks.
Five-million people are expected to watch the show go out live for the first time as its winner is crowned.
But producers fear the event at the LH2 Studios in Acton, west London, could be a target for radicals.
The venue has had a major security overhaul. A 12ft fence has been put up to ensure no-one can get in during the broadcast.
Extra security staff have also been hired and briefed on how to react in the event of an incident.
And all visitors will have bag checks and be vetted before being allowed in.
Tonight’s show comes just weeks after the attacks in Manchester and London.
Emma told the Daily Star Sunday: “We have to make things more secure these days. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, we know from recent events that security has to be above and beyond.”
Emma is hoping to bring two of her kids to the show because they are huge fans. She said: “I was really pleased when I turned up to rehearsals and saw the differences. You just never know. With recent events it’s always going to be in the back of your mind.” The Voice Kids features hopefuls as young as seven, including Jake, inset, meaning bosses are under extra pressure to ensure everyone is safe. Emma added: “You just want those kids to feel safe and enjoy themselves.” Coaches will.i.am, Pixie Lott and Danny Jones will also be at the studio. Pixie said: “Seeing the changes makes you feel safe.” Earlier this year the Britain’s Got Talent final was guarded by armed police. It was the first time in its history that the officers working there had been issued with weapons. At the time show boss Simon Cowell said: “You have to take on the extra responsibility yourself and think ‘We’re doing live shows and we’ve got kids in the audience’. “We had to ramp things up here, as everyone has seen.” The show had previously had a stage invasion so bosses didn’t want to take any chances. Catch The Voice Kids tonight on ITV.