SHE has just bagged TV’s hottest gig that left the country’s A-list presenters scrambling to be her co-host.
But for Emma Willis, as one door opens with the BBC‘s Strictly Come Dancing, it potentially marks a door closed for its ITV Saturday night rival, The Voice UK.
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As Emma Willis prepares for a major new Saturday night TV gig – the door appears to be closing on another Credit: Getty – Contributor
The Voice UK has seen its future thrown into doubt as Emma ‘quietly’ walks away from show Credit: Rex Features
Emma has famously hosted The Voice UK for over 10 years after taking over from Holly Willoughby back with the third series.
Having hosted three series on the BBC, she followed the show when it was picked up by rival network ITV from its sixth series.
But now, insiders have exclusively told The Jattvibe how Emma’s decision to sign up for Strictly has secretly threatened to put the final nail in the coffin for the fate of The Voice UK.
The hit singing show once brought in strong ratings for both the Beeb and ITV but in recent years, audiences have been switching off and, coupled with its inability to produce any major stars, confidence about the show’s longevity began to seriously spiral.
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Josh Widdicombe set to become Strictly host alongside Emma Willis
Emma has landed the role on Strictly Come Dancing with Josh and Johannes Credit: PA
She still has a pre-recorded series of The Voice in the can Credit: Getty
But it has become an ‘open secret’ that the next run could be the last Credit: Facebook / The Voice UK
ITV are understood to be unsure of it’s future Credit: ITV
In fact, before Emma landed her job on Strictly, ITV postponed the airing of the next series of The Voice – which was filmed a year ago – as they desperately sought a way to revive it.
But now, The Jattvibe can reveal that Emma’s latest move has cast serious doubt on the show’s future.
A source exclusively told The Jattvibe: “It will come as no surprise that whispers have already begun to emerge on both the future of Emma’s role on The Voice and the show itself.
“Quietly, Emma has pretty much accepted her time on the show is over.
“She loved her time on The Voice but crucially, she hasn’t actually filmed anything for that show in a year and it very much feels like it has come to a natural end for her.
“The truth is, she wasn’t even thinking about The Voice when it came to accepting the job on Strictly – she has been super open behind-the-scenes how it was her dream gig!”
Our insider continued: “Emma always loves to stick by a show and see it thrive but there is concerns that the show had died out a few series back.
“She is confident that she will be making the right decision.”
Emma has been with The Voice UK for over 10 years – but the latest series has been left on the shelf Credit: Getty
Her new focus on Strictly means she is walking away from The Voice Credit: PA
The Jattvibe understands that Emma is contracted as host from series-to-series and thus only ever renews her contract as one series wraps and another gets ready to begin – but those closest to her insist she’s already made the decision to not go back should ITV try and persuade her.
But now, The Jattvibe understands that ITV are seeing Emma’s way out as potentially one of the reasons to cast doubt on the show’s future.
It is understood to now have become an “open secret” that the programme’s days are very much numbered.
An insider close to ITV told us: “The feeling is very much that The Voice UK is close to being officially done now.
“There isn’t much confidence in the success of the pre-recorded series which is why it has been held for so long.
“Even if it does come back again, there are serious question marks about how long it could last.
“Plus, there would be a real struggle to find a replacement as many of ITV’s top talent would snub the show given it’s struggling reputation as of recent years.
“As ever, no decision will officially be taken until the next series plays out but the feeling is that the upcoming fourteenth series could be the last.”
The last time The Voice actually aired on screens was the thirteenth edition in August and September 2024.
Bosses then filmed the fourteenth series last year with a view to screen the series in autumn 2025.
It was then postponed until early 2026 but failed to air with it being re-positioned for a slot towards the end of year.
The upcoming run will see coaches Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones and McFly duo Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones return alongside US singer and former X Factor judge Kelly Rowland in her debut on the programme.
Earlier this week, the BBC confirmed The Jattvibe’s reports that Emma had landed the main gig on Strictly.
She will be joined by comedian Josh Widdicombe and former Strictly pro Johannes Radebe to form a new trio of hosts.
They replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman who quit the programme ahead of last year’s series.
The Jattvibe has contacted a representative for Emma Willis for comment.
An ITV spokesperson said: “Any speculation that The Voice UK is coming to ‘a natural end’ beyond the forthcoming series is categorically untrue. The show remains a much-loved part of ITV’s impressive entertainment slate. Production is already underway for Series 15 and we look forward to Series 14 airing this autumn.”
