The Voice UK contestant Ellie Harney has expressed her devastation following the death of her father, Lee Way. Harney shared her profound grief on social media after her audition for the singing competition was broadcast on Saturday night.
Harney posted a tribute to her father on Instagram on August 10, including details of his funeral, just weeks prior to her episode airing. "I have no words right now. I feel completely broken, and I don't know how life will ever be okay again," she wrote. "To me, you're still right here. I love you forever Dad. My best friend in the whole world."
Following the broadcast of her audition, where she performed Billie Eilish's "Idontwannabeyouanymore," Harney shared another heartfelt message online. "Tonight is all for you, my best friend," she stated. "From the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful for everyone's messages, love and support. My heart is hurting more than I can put into words, and I'm just so, so heartbroken that we're not sat together right now."
She added, "I've genuinely never seen someone so excited for anything in my life haha, and I know you'll be right there with me tonight, probably singing louder than anyone. I love you always, my Dad. I promise I will never stop singing, and I'll keep sharing that magical connection you gifted me with everyone who needs to feel it. Everything I do, you'll be a part of. Tonight is for you."
Harney chose to join Team Tom and Danny after they turned their chairs for her performance.
In separate reporting, Cheryl is reportedly in final talks to join The Voice UK as a coach for the upcoming series. The singer has not been a primetime TV coach in six years, with her last appearance in such a role being on BBC's The Greatest Dancer in 2020. Filming for the new season is scheduled to commence on September 11 in Manchester. Reports suggest that Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon may also be joining the show, potentially replacing host Emma Willis.