Tom Odell in talks to join The Voice as new coach in bid to attract younger audience
ITV producers have met with the chart-topping singer to discuss a place on the show after poaching it from the BBC
IF ITV had a pound for every musician they’ve tried to hire as a new coach for The Voice, they wouldn’t need the cash from ad breaks.
Show bosses have already tried to tempt SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY, JESS GLYNNE and PHIL COLLINS on board for the first series since they poached it from the BBC.
They even tried to lure KYLIE MINOGUE back into her old spinning red chair.
Now I’m told they’ve added a new name to their hit-list - chart topper TOM ODELL.
Producers have met with the singer to discuss a place on the show, in a hope he might be able to bring in a younger audience.
A source said: “Producers want the show to be a big success in its first year on ITV.
“Getting TOM JONES and WILL.I.AM back was the first step, now they want more credible names and ratings draws.
“They think Tom ticks both boxes.
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“Producers have had a number of discussions with him, but have spoken to others as well.
“It’s not a done deal yet but they’d love to have him on board.”
The singer bagged the BRITs Critics’ Choice Awards in 2013, following in the footsteps of ADELE, FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE and EMELI SANDE.
He also won the Ivor Novello award in 2014 for Songwriter of the Year.
The BBC’s final season of The Voice UK aired earlier this year, with BOY GEORGE, PALOMA FAITH, RICKY WILSON, and Will on the panel.
But it switched homes in November, with the new series kicking off on ITV in the New Year.
EMMA WILLIS will host, and they are also closing in on US superstar JENNIFER HUDSON for the other vacant coach spot.
Bosses offered her a deal some months ago but I am told are not far off getting things officially tied up.
A source added: “She is huge around the world.
“She’s got awards coming out of her ears and has bags of talent show experience.
“She’s their dream option.”
Watch this space.
Smooch-a-Daisy
DAISY LOWE’s avoiding the curse of Strictly by kissing anyone but her hunky dance partner.
She took a break from rehearsals with ALJAZ SKORJANEC to snog model pal PORTIA FREEMAN.
It was to raise awareness of blood cancer in a campaign called #ShareTheLove with charity DKMS.
She nominated POPPY DELEVINGNE and LAURA BAILEY to snog next. They obliged and passed the baton on to sisters SUKI and IMMY WATERHOUSE.
Got a Broken nose, Anna?
ANNA FRIEL looks a million miles away from her glammed-up red-carpet self as she trudges through Liverpool with a bloodied nose.
Thankfully, the shocking new appearance is just for her role in new BBC1 drama Broken.
After winning plaudits for her performance in ITV crime thriller Marcella, Anna has been cast as the female lead in top screenwriter JIMMY McGOVERN’s gritty six-parter, which began filming this week.
She plays down-on-her-luck mother-of-three Christina Fitzsimmons, and stars opposite Game Of Thrones actor SEAN BEAN as Father Michael Kerrigan.
I’m sure he will be praying that someone can help her out with a hanky.
Soapbox
IT’S make or break time for Les and Pam Coker during tonight’s EASTENDERS.
With the pair due to exit Walford any time soon, Pam’s ultimatum leaves Les gobsmacked – causing their marriage to crumble further.
And there’s no better place than the Queen Vic for Les to drown his sorrows and have a heart-to-heart with good pal Linda Carter. At the same time, Pam confides in Claudette Hubbard.
Let’s hope the Cokers’ friends can help the couple make some progress.
Meanwhile, over on EMMERDALE, Robert Sugden’s killer plan for revenge leads to all-out chaos.
Given that his target is the malicious Chrissie White, I’m sure there’ll be more than a few people cheering him on.
Phil and Holly a live act
BOTH Corrie and Emmerdale have given their fans a behind-the-scenes look with tours of their sets – and now another ITV show is opening up its doors to fans by hosting a series of live shows next spring.
Viewers will get to see This Morning team HOLLY WILLOUGHBY and PHILLIP SCHOFIELD as they leave their sofa behind and front a consumer programme at Birmingham’s NEC Arena.
Developed by the same team that made Grand Designs Live a huge success, This Morning Live will also feature a series of exhibits on fashion, food and drink, gardening, beauty and health.
Other members of the presenting team will give Holly and Phil a hand during the four-day event taking place next May.
Plus Phillip will soon get to meet one very special viewer – as ITV have announced he will interview his royal namesake PRINCE PHILIP for a documentary.
When Phillip Met Prince Philip will highlight the 60th anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and also feature other members of the Royal Family.
Filming is under way and the show will air later this year.
Prince Philip’s one-liners take some beating.
But it will be a rare treat to hear from him in his own words.