will.i.am is reportedly bowing out as a judge on ‘The Voice’, after four years with the show.
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The rapper and music producer has been with the UK version of the reality series since it launched in 2012, and has seen a string of judges come and go in the four-year period he’s been a coach.
However, with a fifth series currently lined up for next year, it’s now been claimed that he’s decided to leave, which comes after Rita Ora revealed that she would be defecting to rival series ‘The X Factor’.
will.i.am
A source tells the Daily Star on Sunday: “Will has been in discussions with producers but decided he doesn't want to return this year. He’s disappointed Rita Ora left and is frustrated the show has failed to produce an international star.”
Bosses at the show are said to be “desperate” for will.i.am to remain a coach next year, going as far as to offer him more money to stay on for another year, though it remains to be seen whether they’ll be successful in keeping him on.
The most recent incarnation of 'The Voice' judging panel
It was recently reported that ITV were planning to buy ‘The Voice’ format from the BBC, following Culture Secretary John Whittingdale’s proposal that cuts should be made to the broadcaster’s spending, leading to the launch of consultation process to decide which of the corporation’s services would be affected.
Among the shows tipped to be in the firing line is ‘The Voice’, which has had millions spent on it since its UK launch four years ago, despite a lukewarm response from viewers - with reports claiming ITV were planning to swoop in and take over the show.
Meanwhile, attention now turns to who’ll be taking over from Rita on the upcoming fifth series, with signs indicating that Paloma Faith could be a potential replacement for the ‘I Will Never Let You Down’ singer.