A singing gypsy has auditioned for ‘The Voice’.
Talia Smith has become the BBC One show’s very first traveller to audition, impressing judges Sir Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Ricky Wilson and will.i.am with her country-infused vocals.
The mum-of-three lives in caravan near Heathrow with her partner Billy and was due to audition with her friend Kelly Lee as part of singing duo Travellin Rose, before her pal pulled out at the last minute.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Talia is a bona fide traveller. She loves the life and doesn’t care what anyone thinks about gypsies. She’s been a professional singer for a few years and has a great voice. It’s no surprise coach Tom Jones takes a bit of a fancy to her.
"She’s genuine proof that the show is about including people from all walks of life. People focus on the former pop stars and the confident stage school types but there are so many different people on the show."
Meanwhile, ‘The Voice’ has landed its own spin-off show on BBC Two, which will be presented by Zoe Ball.
The half-hour programme will air at 6:30pm on weekdays from the time the live shows kick off until the final, giving viewers their fix of behind-the-scenes gossip, interviews and performances.
Zoe commented: "I’m super excited to be involved in ‘The Voice’. Fans can think of me as the nosey, naughty one who can ask questions we all want answering by their favourite acts and, of course, Kylie, Tom, will.i.am and Ricky.
"I shall bring everyone a little closer to the action, and I promise not to sing!"