PALOMA FAITH and Boy George will join “The Voice U.K.” and work as coaches alongside the returning Will.i.am and Ricky Wilson for the fifth season of the singing competition on the BBC.

    They replace Tom Jones and Rita Ora. Ora will be a judge on ITV’s “The X Factor” this season. “The Voice” coaches will be in Manchester for the blind auditions next month. The new season is set to launch on flagship channel BBC One in January.

    “I’m a huge fan of the show and have watched and engaged with it from season one. If I can help someone to win I will be delighted. What a wonderful opportunity to share my experiences and help someone move forward with their musical career. I can’t wait to sit in that chair,” said Boy George.

    Executive producer Moira Ross said the new season “looks set to be our liveliest yet, four iconic superstars all with very big personalities.”

    Charlotte Moore, controller of BBC One, said: “Boy George and Paloma will bring a wealth of musical talent, expertise and unpredictability to our new coaching lineup. Their originality and flair will shake things up on the red chairs and take the audience by surprise.”

    (SD-Agencies)