BBC bosses planning kids’ version of The Voice next year

The BBC is in talks to screen a children’s version of The Voice.

A series for young singers has been a hit in Holland, where the multinational franchise began, and is now in the works for the UK next year.

Creator John de Mol revealed there was a “fair chance” the show for contestants aged between eight and 14 would be on the Beeb.

The broadcaster has enjoyed success with child versions of other shows, including Junior Apprentice which won a Bafta on Sunday.

One TV source said: “A kids’ version of The Voice would be more competition for BGT, which relies on child acts.

“Parents might be encouraged because there is no real criticism of anyone who lines up in front of the judges on The Voice.”

Dutch media tycoon Mr de Mol, 57, who also came up with Big Brother in the late 1990s, said: “The Voice Kids was a tremendous success in Holland.

“There was a big emotional reaction from the parents of the children taking part.”

He also revealed he would hold crisis talks with BBC1 bosses after ratings for The Voice dropped to just 4.5million at the weekend.

And he said he did not know if judges Jessie J, will.i.am, Tom Jones and Danny O’Donoghue would all be back next year.