The Voice UK set for huge shake up as Olly Murs’ ‘replacement’ gets a twist-Danni Scott-Entertainment – Metro

Olly Murs could be replaced by a dynamic duo (Picture: ITV/Rachel Joseph/Shutterstock)

Viewers were shocked when it was revealed Olly Murs and Anne-Marie would not return for the next series of The Voice UK.

The judging panel is in for a makeover as ITV bosses reportedly eyed-up American star LeAnn Rimes after the rumoured departure of the Friends hitmaker.

This isn’t the only shake-up as Olly, 39, was confirmed to be leaving the singing competition in September after six years in the red chair.

However, it seems the Troublemaker singer won’t be replaced by one person – instead a duo could be seated in the first ever sofa.

From Jedward to Pepsi & Shirlie, there’s no telling who ITV could be looking at for this but it’s reported a well-known duo is the plan.

‘This marks an exciting new change for the show that will shake up the format and keep it fresh as it moves into a new era,’ a source told The Sun.

He won’t be returning for the next season of The Voice UK (Picture: ITV/Rachel Joseph/Shutterstock)

Anne-Marie is also thought to be exiting the show (Picture: Rachel Joseph/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

With Tom Jones and Will.I.Am thought to be returning and country star LeAnn possibly taking Anne-Marie’s spot the panel could be pushed up to a total of five icons.

Apparently a number of pairings are being discussed, with eyes across genres, looking at producing duos as well as performing groups.

They continued: ‘Having a famous duo is an exciting new concept which means the coaches will be able to support more groups who audition.

‘Everything is still all to play for to ensure The Voice gets the strongest line-up possible.’

Olly was said to be ‘shocked’ by his ousting(Picture: ITV/Guy Levy/Shutterstock)

LeAnn Rimes is tipped to take over from Anne-Marie (Picture: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMT)

When his exit was announced, the former X Factor said he was ‘shocked’ at the decision, assuring it was not ‘amicable’.

He has said he ‘accepts’ the choice to let him go but made it clear how much he’s going to ‘miss’ the job, with fellow judges sending him lots of support on social media.

On LeAnn’s possible recruitment, it is still ‘early days,’ but ITV hopes they could possibly ‘carve up a good deal’ with the Can’t Fight the Moonlight singer.

‘ITV thinks she would make an incredible coach and LeAnn is excited to see if she can make it work with her schedule,’ a source told The Sun.

Metro.co.uk has reached out to ITV for comment.

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