The Voice UK’s Latest Setback: Another Delay for the Popular Singing Competition
Fans of the beloved singing competition, The Voice UK, are facing further disappointment as reports suggest the upcoming 14th series has been pushed back for a second time by broadcaster ITV. This latest delay means a significant gap will exist between the pre-recorded audition rounds and the live finals, sparking speculation about the show’s long-term future.
Judges Will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, Danny Jones, and the legendary Sir Tom Jones, along with host Emma Willis, completed filming for the initial audition stages of the 14th series back in early 2024. Initially, it was anticipated that the show would launch at the beginning of this year. However, further reports from June of last year indicated a postponement until the current year. Now, it appears the broadcast has been rescheduled once more.
A source revealed to The Sun that “ITV have decided to delay airing The Voice until autumn at the earliest.” This decision implies a gap of over two years between the filming of the auditions and the eventual live finals. The prolonged hiatus has led to internal discussions about the possibility of the show being “rested” following the airing of its upcoming 14th series. While ITV is reportedly still committed to broadcasting the much-anticipated season, the extended delay is described as “isn’t exactly a good look.”
Despite these concerns, an ITV insider has stated, “The Voice UK is in the schedule for this year.” The Daily Mail has reached out to ITV for an official comment on the situation.
The last season of The Voice UK aired in 2023, culminating in a victory for Ava Manning, who was mentored by the duo Danny Jones and Sir Tom Jones. Manning’s triumph secured her a lucrative Universal record deal, a substantial £50,000 in prize money, and a dream holiday to Universal Resort in Orlando.
This scheduling adjustment for The Voice UK comes amidst a broader shake-up of ITV’s programming lineup. It was recently reported that the celebrity edition of Big Brother will also be put on hold for a two-year period.
Big Brother’s Civilian Run Goes from Strength to Strength
In contrast to the setbacks faced by The Voice UK, the civilian series of Big Brother appears to be thriving. ITV bosses are reportedly developing “secret plans” to extend the upcoming autumn run by an entire week, aiming for an eight-week season packed with drama.
Sources suggest that the civilian Big Brother is significantly “far cheaper” to produce compared to its celebrity counterpart, making the return on investment more attractive for the broadcaster. Furthermore, it is claimed that ITV remains “fully committed” to the reality format and has a wealth of ideas to keep the show “feeling fresh.” An extended run is cited as one of the primary options currently under consideration.
A source close to The Sun commented, “Despite the hold on the celeb version, ITV has always insisted that the programme is what they call a ‘priority reality format.'” They added, “So it’s reassuring to see plans like this being on the table. Extending by a week is something fans have been calling for as past runs have shown the action really only heats up in the latter days.” This indicates a strong desire from both the production and the audience to see more of the unscripted reality television that has captivated viewers. The insider reiterated that ITV’s dedication to the format is evident through their proactive planning for future seasons, ensuring the show’s continued appeal and relevance in the competitive broadcasting landscape.
