The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Holly bows out of the Voice to care for family
Showbiz: Celebrity Big Brother host Emma Willis to step in
Holly Willoughby is stepping down from her role as co-host of talent show the Voice to concentrate on her family, the BBC has announced.
The mother-of-two will be replaced by Emma Willis, who has just finished a stint of presenting Celebrity Big Brother.
Co- presenter Reggie Yates is also leaving the BBC 1 singing contest, with his replacement set to be announced next week.
Willoughby said: “I will not be returning for series three. I’ve had two wonderful years on the show, and I feel very privileged to have been a part of it.
“Finding the right balance between my work and family life is my priority.
“I look forward to watching the next series from my sofa, and I wish the whole team the best of luck.”
The This Morning presenter has hosted the first two series of the show with Yates, who said: “I’ve had a fantastic time on the last two series of the Voice and I wish all the team the best of luck for the new series.”
Willis, who has also had presenting slots on This Morning and hosts Heart FM’s Sunday breakfast show, said: “The Voice is an absolutely brilliant TV show with the unique ability to showcase and nurture amazing raw talent.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it and I cannot wait to get started.”
Mark Linse y, BBC controller of entertainment commissioning, said: “I’d like to thank Holly and Reggie for the fantastic job they’ve done on the first two series of the Voice, but understand their reasons for leaving and wish them all the very best.
“With two new coaches on board and our two new presenters it’s going to really mix things up.”
Charlotte Moore, controller of BBC 1, added that she was “thrilled” to welcome Willis to the show as she is a “brilliant live TV presenter”.
Kylie Minogue was revealed as a judge on the third series earlier this week, joining Tom Jones and will.i.am.
The identity of the fourth judge has not been revealed. The next series will begin in January.