Jennifer Hudson ‘quits The Voice UK after three years’
Jennifer Hudson has reportedly quit The Voice UK after three series.
Jennifer has been in the spinning red chairs since the show moved to ITV in 2017.
However insiders say she has turned down a new deal to return to the show in 2020.
According to the Daily Star newspaper, Jennifer has “decided not to return” due to her upcoming schedule.
“Jennifer has absolutely loved her time on The Voice but she’s decided not to return,” said a source.
They added: “It wasn’t an easy decision. She would love to continue doing the show.
“But she has a lot on and something had to give.”
A spokesperson for ITV said of the rumours: “No decision has been made ahead of next year’s series.
“We love Jennifer and if she is able to return we would be delighted.”
The multi award winning singer and actress has a very busy year ahead, and previously admitted there may not be time in her schedule for The Voice next year.
Recently cast in a film adaption of stage musical Cats as well as Aretha Franklin biopic Respect, Jennifer hinted last month (April) this could be her last series.
“You know, I am an actress as well. It’s kind of going into film season for me,” she told the Radio Times magazine ahead of The Voice final. “I was thinking that I truly, truly love this and that’s why I’m three seasons deep in.
“I want to continue it, but I don’t know that my schedule will allow me to. But we’ll see.”
If Jennifer isn’t back for a fourth season, her fellow coach Will.i.am has a suggestion on who could replace her.
He put forward Cheryl, saying: “I haven’t seen her in, like, six years face-to-face – ever since she was with Liam [Payne]. I just saw her last week and it was a good reunion. She’d be good.”
Alongside Jennifer and Will, Sir Tom Jones and Olly Murs make up the current coaches.
The Voice UK has been running for eight series now after first debuting on BBC One in 2012. It moved to ITV in 2017.
Hosted by Emma Willis, this year’s run concluded in April with the grand final.
It was Molly Hocking who won The Voice UK, with the 18-year-old scooping the prize of a record deal with Polydor records.
Also in The Voice UK final for Tom was Deana Walmsley, a 23-year-old from Liverpool, and Bethzienna Williams, a 28-year-old musician from Barry who won the public wild card vote.
They were joined by Team Olly’s Jimmy Balito, a 23-year-old from Sussex.
Team JHud and Team Will had no acts left for the final.
