The search for the freshest new singing talent has begun as The Voice Kids is heading back into the studio for a brand new series, with an exciting new addition to the superstar coaching panel; Brit award-winning pop icon Melanie C.

Spice Girl Melanie C joins Danny Jones, will.i.am and reigning champion Pixie Lott in the search for the next generation of singing talent, while Emma Willis is back to host the series.

Airing during the festive period, this year’s series of The Voice Kids is a Christmas television event not to be missed. An array of singers, aged seven to 14, will take to the stage in a bid to impress the star coaching panel and get those big red chairs turning.

Melanie C said: "I’ve always been a huge fan of The Voice so I am super excited to be a coach on The Voice Kids this year. I can’t wait to get in one of those big red chairs and Spice things up!"

Danny Jones said: ''It's great to be getting going on another series of The Voice KIds and I'm chuffed to have Melanie C joining the gang. Every year when I think the talent can't be topped I find myself blown away by the new up and coming kids. I'm looking forward to discovering some brand new little superstars, it's also a mission of mine to catch up with Pixie’s winning streak.”

Pixie Lott said: "It's great to be heading back into the studio for a new series of The Voice Kids. I am the biggest Spice Girls fan, they were the first concert I ever went to, so it's such a thrill to have Melanie C joining the show too, upping the level of girl power even more!"

will.i.am said: “I’m looking forward to returning to my red chair and listening out for more kids with incredible voices. A big welcome to Melanie C this year, also known as Sporty Spice. What do you think of the nickname Coach Spice?”

Melanie C joins the panel this year following Paloma Faith's recent announcement that due to the imminent arrival of her second child she will not be returning this series.

The Voice Kids is an ITV Studios production of a Talpa format.