The Voice UK 2017: start date, judges, and what you need to know

The singing competition is moving to ITV with new mentors
Ben Travis7 January 2017

It’s only a matter of weeks since The X Factor wrapped up – but there’s another singing show coming to ITV on Saturday nights.

The Voice UK is back on a new home after the BBC lost the rights to the competition show.

The change in channel is bringing fresh talent, new rules and much more – here’s what you need to know.

1) Start date

The new series begins on Saturday, January 7 with the first auditions round. As in previous years, the series will consist of auditions, battles, and the live shows.

The Voice 2017 Launch - In pictures

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2) The judges

This year there’s a mix of old and new judges - or ‘mentors’, as we’re supposed to refer to them.

Carrying on from the BBC series is Black Eyed Peas rapper and producer Will.I.Am.

Ian West/PA

Sir Tom Jones is back too, after being unceremoniously dumped by the BBC last year and replaced by Boy George.

Ian West/PA

New to the show is British rocker Gavin Rossdale, known as the frontman of Bush – and the ex-husband of The Voice US mentor Gwen Stefani.

Ian West/PA

Finally there’s American R&B singer Jennifer Hudson, who is no stranger to singing competitions having risen to fame in 2004’s American Idol.

Ian West/PA

3) The new twist

The rules have slightly changed in order to make the mentors’ feedback even more honest. Previously, all four coaches have turned around at the end of an audition, regardless of whether they pressed their buzzer or not – forcing them to exchange forced niceties.

This time only the mentors who buzz an act will get to see them face-to-face – allowing those who didn't turn around to withhold any disingenuous plaudits.

4) The prize

While the BBC’s run of The Voice UK never produced a winner who cracked the charts, that seems like something that could change with the show’s new home.

The winner of the new series is set to receive a record contract with Polydor Records – and a lot of emphasis will be placed on finding a good winner's song, which Will.I.Am reckons will be a major help.

“Really, it's all about song choice. And I think that's one of the real reasons we haven't seen a superstar from the show,” he said. “It's because the songs they end up singing are like 'whatever'.”

5) The new set

The change in channel has meant a makeover of the show’s set too – and Will.I.Am is certainly impressed by it.

“It is amazing,” he said. “I talked to the guy who designed it and I want him to do the Black Eyed Peas stage.”

ITV, Saturday, 8pm

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