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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Tina Campbell

Anne-Marie ‘second coach to be axed by ITV from The Voice’ in new series shake-up

Anne-Marie has been axed as a coach from The Voice, according to reports.

The Unhealthy singer, 32, is the second coach to be given the boot ahead of the new series starting November 4, following the departure of Olly Murs.

Murs, 39, admitted last month that he was “gutted” after receiving his marching orders following a six-year stint on the singing competition.

It has been claimed ITV bosses want to replace Anne-Marie, who joined the show in 2021, with a musician who has a large teenage audience.

Her replacement would appear on the show alongside US singer and music producer will.i.am, 48, and Welsh legend Sir Tom Jones, 83.

Anne-Marie was a coach on The Voice alongside will.i.am, Tom Jones and Olly Murs (ITV)

A source told the The Sun: “Anne-Marie has loved being part of the show but producers want to give the series a refresh. “ITV wants to ensure that the show pulls in teens, so they are always looking at who is hot in the music world."

The Standard contacted representatives for ITV and Anne-Marie for comment.

Meanwhile, although no longer part of The Voice, Murs has been snapped up for another ITV show.

The Dance With Me Tonight hit-maker will join Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and comedian Mo Gilligan on the next series of The Masked Singer, where panelists are tasked with revealing the true identity of artists who are dressed in costume.

Olly Murs is said to have now been snapped up by The Masked singer (PA Wire)

Murs will be sitting in for show regular Rita Ora as she is not able to fulfil filming commitments due to diary clashes.

One of those clashes includes the US version of the show, where she has been drafted in to replace Nicole Scherzinger, who is currently starring in a limited revival of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s west end production of Sunset Boulevard.

“I’m gutted to be missing some episodes on the new season but keeping my seat warm are some great guest panellists who I’m told are also super competitive and will keep the others on their toes, especially Jonathan! Bring it on,” Ora said in a statement.

A source told The Sun US: “The booking will be heartening to Olly. His exit from The Voice came as a shock, so knowing ITV still rate him and want him on the channel will be such a boost. It’s a sign they see him as part of the family and will be considered for future projects.

“Of course, Olly’s a pro when it comes to music, as well as having tons of experience as a TV judge. Plus, he is loved by audiences already. It all makes perfect sense.”

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