Emma Willis has reportedly quit The Voice UK after more than 12 years as host, with Maya Jama emerging as the frontrunner to replace her, according to The Sun. The 50-year-old presenter is said to have confirmed her departure from the singing competition, which she has hosted since it launched on ITV in 2014. Her exit comes as she takes on a new role on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, joining Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
Maya Jama in talks for the role
Maya Jama, best known for hosting Love Island, has allegedly held several meetings with ITV producers in recent months and has now been offered the position. A source told The Sun: 'There have been a lot of approaches to Maya from various networks, including ITV, and shows in the UK and Stateside. The Voice producers and her did have meetings but because of her other commitments the conversation didn’t progress. Right now, she and her management are evaluating all of the opportunities and planning her next moves.'
Uncertain acceptance and other projects
It remains unclear whether Maya, 31, will accept the opportunity, as she is weighing up other projects, including potential roles in the US. If she takes the job, The Voice would mark her second ITV primetime entertainment show after she fronted Simon Cowell's Walk The Line in 2021, which ran for a single series.
Upcoming series changes
The next series of The Voice UK is scheduled to film this autumn and is expected to have a refreshed look. This follows reports that coaches Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher of McFly are also leaving the programme. ITV has not confirmed Emma's replacement, and Maya has not publicly commented on the reports.
Earlier this year, Maya split from Manchester City footballer Ruben Dias after 18 months together. The couple ended their romance just three weeks before she flew to Inverness to film The Celebrity Traitors. Metro has contacted ITV, Emma, and Maya for comment.
