will.i.am confirms The Voice UK comeback

will.i.am is set to return as a judge on the next series of Britain's The Voice.

The Black Eyed Peas star has been on the panel of the U.K. talent show since it started in 2012, but his future on the programme was in doubt when it was announced the series was moving from the BBC to ITV.

However in a statement, will.i.am has confirmed he will be back on the new series of the show, and will also act as a coach on the children's spin-off The Voice Kids in 2017.

"I'm delighted to be continuing The Voice UK on ITV and being a voice of direction and guidance for the usual suspects, and I'm thrilled to add The Voice Kids to the mix..." he said. "I know The Voice switched to ITV, but I'm not going to Brexit The Voice UK. I'm happy to make ITV my home now. I love the UK."

The remainder of judges for the show have yet to be confirmed. The panel for the last series on the BBC, which saw former Liberty X singer Kevin Simm crowned the winner, saw will.i.am joined by Boy George, Paloma Faith and Ricky Wilson.

ITV's head of entertainment, Siobhan Greene, said in a statement: "We are thrilled to bits that will.i.am's signed up to ITV for The Voice UK and The Voice Kids.

"He's such an important part of the DNA of the show and that was one of the many reasons we had to have him in his chair. Will's eye for talent, and unique and creative flair for mentoring means we can't wait to see what happens next."

ITV only recently confirmed that they will be following in the footsteps of countries around the world by launching The Voice Kids in the U.K. The programme will search for talented singers between the ages of seven and 14, and will be hosted by Emma Willis, who will present both the children and adult versions of the show.

The winner of the children's show will be given a contract with Polydor Records.