The Script's Danny O'Donoghue becomes BBC's The Voice coach

The Script's Danny O'Donoghue

independent.ie reporters

December 09 2011 08:45 AM

DUBLINER Danny O'Donoghue is to join Tom Jones as a coach for new BBC1 talent series The Voice.

It's Not Unusual star Sir Tom had been widely tipped to join the series, but O'Donoghue's addition was a surprise. Will Young had been in talks to join the series until recently, and Kylie Minogue is also among the performers who were approached.

The panel for the singing contest - launching in the spring - also features Jessie J and Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am.

Irish singer O'Donoghue has graced the charts around the world and scored top 10 hits in the UK with The Man Who Can't Be Moved and For The First Time.

He said: "This is a show unlike any other because it puts vocal ability first above all else."

BBC1 controller Danny Cohen said: "Overall, our line-up of Tom Jones, Jessie J, Will.i.am and Danny O'Donoghue gives us megastar quality, great musical range and musicians we know our audience love."

Tom Jones said: "This is a strong show. It's all about talent - but it's also exciting, competitive and compelling television.

"I've been blessed over the years to share the stage with some of the world's finest artists, and I look forward to being part of the team that discovers a great, new, genuine talent."

The Irish version of the show will also launch in the Spring, with Kathryn Thomas as presenter. RTE have yet to reveal who will be the Irish judges.

He joins the show along with frontman of The Script, Danny O'Donoghue, to complete the line-up of judges and mentors.