The Voice returns to BBC1 with a new format

Coaches from The Voice, which returns with a new format in its second UK series

The Voice is set to return to our screens this spring with a new format.

Danny Cohen, the controller of BBC One, said last year that changes needed to be made to The Voice after viewing figures fell.

The show originally rated well during the ‘blind’ auditions where the judges selected singers with their backs turned to the stage, but interest fell during the live shows.

This year the judges, or coaches as they are also known, are given a chance to ‘steal’ a losing artist from a rival coach for their team. Each coach will have 12 contestants in their team, two more than last year.

Singers will.i.am, Jessie J, Tom Jones and Danny O’Donoghue will all return as the show’s coaches.

As the series hits the knockout stage, the contestants will take control in choosing their favourite ‘killer song’ to perform. The seven remaining finalists in each team will perform their song, and the coaches will pick their top three to take through to the live shows.

Executive Producer Moira Ross said: “We can’t wait for The Voice UK to return to Saturday nights. With our four global superstars back on board, an unrivalled standard of vocal talent and the added excitement of the “Steals” and “Knockouts”, it’s set to be an extraordinary series.”