ON THE COVER Emma Willis “I’m Always There For A Cuddle” The Voice Kids gossip
Emma, a mum herself, loves her latest role supporting TheVoiceKids young contestants…
Earlier this year, after the much publicised move to ITV, viewers were treated to a sparkly new version of TheVoice. We saw the triumphant return of Tom Jones and welcomed new coaches Gavin Rossdale and Jennifer Hudson. Meanwhile, Emma Willis was put firmly in the spotlight as the sole host of the show.
Following the success of the newly revamped show, ITV have now brought us an even brighter – and far cuter – version with TheVoiceKids.
While we have two new coaches for the kids – Pixie Lott and Danny Jones – two Voice regulars are back on our screens. will.i.am is a coach and Emma jumped at the opportunity to host the kids’ version – although she says her approach isn’t much different from doing TheVoice.
“With both shows I go in with compassion and with care for anyone who is there, whether they are a grown-up or kid.
“We are all there for the same reason; to try to make their wishes come true and for them to get the end result.
“Whether you are a kid or a grown-up, I’m there for a cuddle if you want one and I’m always there for a chat.”
It just wouldn’t be The Voice without will.i.am – but how has adding two new coaches affected the dynamic?
“Pixie is the big sister and will and Danny are like the two naughty brothers. They are always messing about and Pixie is just sat in the middle going, ‘What are you two going on about? Shut up!’ The dynamic between the three of them is perfect – they all get on really well. They do feel like a tight knit group.
“will is amazing with the kids. He is very nurturing with them and has this paternal way about him. Danny is like a big kid and Pixie is just the sweetest person in the world.”
The fact it’s children makes the performances all the more astounding, she says.
“The talent level is so high. It’s amazing how such huge voices can come out of such little people!”
A mother of three, Emma hopes the show will inspire her own children to get musical.
“I married a musician – we have guitars all over the house. The kids have a ukulele each and Trixie has a little plastic piano. Hopefully seeing this will inspire lots of kids to think music is an option.”
Emma, who turned 40 last year when she was pregnant with Trixie, says she’s finding a new sense of confidence.
“I like getting older. I feel people take you a bit more seriously,” she says. “I look at the other cool chicks around me who are in their 40s.”
Emma is inspired by the enduring careers of presenters
“I LIKE GETTING OLDER. I FEEL THAT PEOPLE TAKE YOU A BIT MORE SERIOUSLY”
like Ruth Langsford and former BigBrother presenter Davina McCall. “I’m a fan of seeing all women on television but I do especially like seeing older women. I feel like they have life experience and they know what they’re talking about. They have succeeded and have survived and that’s exactly what I want to be doing in 10 years’ time.”