Star-studded ITV show axed after six years

Virgin Radio

30 Jul 2023, 10:11

The programme's seventh series was broadcast earlier this month. 

ITV has axed The Voice Kids following a decline in demand for talent shows.

The show began in 2017 as a spin-off of The Voice UK, and gave children aged between seven and 14 the chance to showcase their singing talents to celebrity judges, including McFly’s Danny Jones, Pixie Lott, Ronan Keating, and Will.i.am.

A source told The Sun: “The show had a good run and had its own fanbase, but execs are keen to free up scheduling space for other new programming to keep ideas as fresh as possible.

“The cast have great memories from the series, but have plenty of other projects to keep them busy.”

An ITV spokesman has confirmed that although The Voice Kids will not be returning next year, the broadcasting network will be “working with Lifted Entertainment on The Voice UK for 2024 and development of The Voice-branded specials”.

This news comes just weeks after the seventh season aired on our screens, in which we saw 11-year-old identical twins Andrea and Shanie Nyandoro win the competition. 

They were coached by Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.i.am and won a seven-night holiday at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.

Describing the young contestants that took part in the final series, Will.i.am told The Sun: “One of my team wrote this song, and I said to her, ‘No way.’ It was like wow!

“She is just so advanced at songwriting already.

“There are some adults that I know that aren’t nearly as good at writing,” the 48-year-old continued. “I was blown away by their level of talent this year and their skillset.”

Jones agreed with his fellow judge and said: “They are just getting better and better.

“The way they learn and take on information is just incredible.”

The McFly guitarist added: “They go away, work on it and come back, and I’m like ‘I’ve got nothing to say - that’s amazing.”

The Voice Kids and The Voice UK are available to stream on ITVX.