Emma Willis is understood to be stepping down from The Voice UK after more than a decade fronting the ITV singing competition, with Maya Jama emerging as the leading candidate to succeed her.
The 50-year-old presenter, who has hosted the programme since its 2014 launch, is believed to be leaving the singing show following news of her appointment to BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
According to reports, by The Sun, Love Island presenter Ms Jama has been engaged in confidential discussions with ITV executives about taking on the coveted role.
The 31-year-old has reportedly been offered the position after a series of meetings with the broadcaster’s production team in recent months.
Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe were confirmed as BBC Strictly’s new presenters | BBC
However, The Sun claims Ms Jama has not yet accepted the offer, with sources indicating she is considering multiple opportunities before making a decision.
A source told the publication: “There have been a lot of approaches to Maya from various networks, including ITV, and shows in the UK and Stateside.”
The insider added that while The Voice producers held meetings with Ms Jama, “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,” the source continued.
Maya Jama is rumoured to be replacing Emma Willis
|
GETTYShould Ms Jama accept the ITV offer, The Voice UK would mark her second primetime entertainment programme for the broadcaster, following Walk The Line in 2021, the Simon Cowell talent show that was cancelled after just one series.
The presenter, who recently ended her relationship with Manchester City footballer Ruben Dias in May, has not publicly addressed the speculation.
An ITV spokesperson told GB News: “As with each new series, we are in discussions about talent for The Voice series 15. Any announcement will be made in due course.”
The upcoming series is scheduled to begin filming this autumn and is expected to feature a refreshed look for the programme.
Maya Jama and Ruben Dias recently split
|
INSTAGRAM/MAYA JAMAMs Willis is not the only departure from the show, with McFly bandmates Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher also reportedly leaving their coaching positions.
Ms Willis’s move to Strictly Come Dancing was announced back in May, with the presenter joining comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe as the new hosting trio.
The appointment sees them stepping into the roles vacated by long-serving presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Speaking about her new position, Ms Willis said: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.”
Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis were unveiled as the new Strictly hosts in May
|
BBCShe added: “It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long.”
Mr Radebe described the opportunity as “beyond anything I ever imagined.”
Mr Widdicombe added he was: “giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television.”