Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates sign on as hosts of BBC's new X Factor rival The Voice
By Andrea Magrath
Last updated at 6:54 PM on 23rd November 2011
Her bosses at ITV are unlikely to be thrilled.
Holly Willoughby has been confirmed as one of the hosts of the BBC's new singing competition The Voice.
The presenter, 30, will be joined by Radio 1 host Reggie Yates, 28, when the series launches in Spring 2012.
New gig: Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates have been announced the hosts of new talent show The Voice
When The Voice was launched in the US this year it was marketed as a rival to The X Factor, which is broadcast on Holly's current employer ITV.
Speculation was rife last week when it was announced that Willoughby would not be returning to Dancing On Ice this winter, with axed Daybreak host Christine Bleakley taking her place.
Holly refused to be drawn on the rumours that she had signed on for The Voice gig, telling fans instead that all will be revealed 'next week.'
X Factor's new rival: Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are the celebrity mentors on the US version of The Voice
Mentor: Jessie J is the first singer confirmed to be playing judge and coach to the contestants
The anticipated announcement arrived today, with Holly thrilled to finally be able to share the news.
In a statement, Willoughby said: 'I’m so excited to be hosting The Voice. When it launched in America I watched one of the shows and thought it was just a fantastic format, and when I heard it was coming to the UK I thought to myself how incredible it would be to be a part of it.
It’s going to be one roller coaster of a ride and I can’t wait to get started!'
Her co-host Yates added: 'I’m so delighted to get this job and be part of such a credible music show.
Leaving: Last week it was announced that Holly will be not returning to Dancing On Ice this season
'The format of The Voice in America has worked brilliantly and I have no doubt it will be just as successful on British TV. '
The US show stars Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton as mentors who blindly select and judge the contestants based solely on their voice.
Jessie J has been confirmed as the first celebrity coach for the UK version.
Last week Holly wishes her successor well following the announcement that she was leaving Dancing On Ice.
Skating in her shoes: Axed Daybreak host Christine Bleakley was announced as her replacement
Willougby tweeted: 'Good luck to Christine Bleakley on this years Dancing on Ice. It's a truely (sic) magical show and you will love it. I'll miss you all very much!'
Bleakley said: 'My only concern was what a big task it is to follow the brilliant Holly and I can only promise her, Phillip and everyone at home that they couldn't have a bigger fan of the show on board.'
Schofield said he was 'absolutely delighted' that Bleakley was joining the show which was won last year by ex-EastEnders actor Sam Attwater.
Warm welcome: Schofield tweeted about the unexpected announcement
Farewell: Holly wished her successor all the best
It was criticised for battling to match the GMTV audience in its early stages and has consistently pulled in fewer viewers than its BBC1 rival Breakfast.
ITV Director of Television, Peter Fincham said: 'Dancing on Ice continues to be one of ITV1’s most successful entertainment hits and I’m delighted that Christine will be joining Phillip Schofield to host next year’s show.'
Willoughby, who is not on an exclusive contract, will continue working with Schofield on This Morning and her duties on ITV2's Celebrity Juice, but has 'other commitments' over the winter season, a statement released by the network said.
Staying put: The bubbly presenter will continue her duties on This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2065179/The-Voice-Holly-Willoughby-Reggie-Yates-sign-hosts-BBCs-X-Factor-rival.html#ixzz1eYjBqkvV