BBC ANNOUNCE THE NEW SERIES OF THE VOICE UK

RITA ORA ADDS HER VOICE TO SATURDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT ON BBC ONE

SIR TOM JONES, WILL.I.AM AND RICKY WILSON RETURN AS COACHES

International superstar RITA ORA today confirmed that she will join coaches SIR TOM JONES, WILL.I.AM and RICKY WILSON on the world famous spinning red chairs for the fourth series of The Voice on BBC One.

The coaches will all be heading to Salford in Manchester for the blind auditions next month ahead of a new series, which launches in January 2015.

In less than two years Rita Ora has shot to international stardom with four number one singles in the UK and a multi-million selling debut album. Her movie career also kicks off in 2015, with a featured role in the highly anticipated ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’.

Rita will be joining the team and taking on The Voice. Speaking about her new role as a coach on The Voice, Rita Ora said: “So excited to be part of – and for my team to win – The Voice this series! Let’s have some fun will.i.am, Tom and Ricky! I’m really looking forward to the blind auditions – and spinning in my big red chair. EXCITED!!!!”

The fellow coaches who are now in their second series of working together are thrilled with today’s announcement of Rita Ora joining them for series four.

Sir Tom Jones said: “I’m really looking forward to coming back to The Voice for season four. Not only do I get to know and work with Rita, I can once again enjoy hearing and seeing the talent that comes from just about every corner of the UK. I respect and admire all those who have the guts and determination to get through each challenge that the show presents, so let’s see what happens in 2015!”

will.i.am said: “Season four of The Voice is going to be amazing! (Sir) Tom Jones is our rock, Ricky is awesome and it’s our pleasure to welcome the very talented Rita Ora. Rita is sweet, spicy and sassy – she’s going to be a great addition to the Coaches team.”

Ricky Wilson said: “I enjoyed spending last winter with The Voice, it’s definitely fun to be part of a show with a spinning chair. I hope Rita likes it too… I’m sure the audience will love her.”

The Voice UK has established itself as a major force within British television since launching in 2012 with series three averaging 8.2 million on BBC One.

Following on from last year, joining the coaches again as show hosts will be TV favorites Emma Willis and Marvin Humes.

Speaking about The Voice UK series four, Emma Willis said: “I am delighted to be returning to The Voice for Series four. It was a privilege to be part of the team who uncovered such amazing talent last year and I loved every minute of it. Bring on those spinning chairs – here’s to another cracking series!”

Marvin Humes added: “I can’t wait for series four. I had such a great time filming the last series and the level of talent was mind blowing, so I can’t wait to get started again.”

Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One, says: “Rita Ora has a unique sense of style and her no nonsense attitude will really mix things up on the spinning chairs alongside will.i.am, Sir Tom and Ricky. 2015 promises to be a good one!”

Moira Ross, The Voice UK Executive Producer, said: “The Voice has gone from strength to strength with each passing year and series four promises to be bigger than ever. We are absolutely thrilled with this years line up for the coaches and of course the addition to Rita Ora who we think will be just fantastic…Competition is high and I cannot wait to see the chairs spin…and the sparks fly!”

Tim van Rongen; The Voice Executive Producer on behalf of Talpa UK, said: “The Voice is a global hit and we feel very privileged that the top artists in the world love to be a part of it. We are proud to welcome Rita Ora to The Voice UK family. Together with will.i.am, Tom Jones and Ricky we are sure to deliver another great series and continue to build on the success.