Jessie J quits The Voice to promote new record

The Voice coach Jessie J has quit (Rex Features)

Jessie J has quit the BBC's talent show The Voice after just two series in order to promote a new record.

The pop star's departure from the panel of coaches - which includes Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones and Danny O'Donoghue - is due to overseas touring and promotional commitments, she confirmed in a statement.

The second series of The Voice, which finished two weeks ago, has been mired in controversy since Will.i.am said that partially sighted contestant Andrea Begley's win was "unexplainable".

Many also questioned the value of winning the show recently when the victor in the first series, Leanne Mitchell, managed to sell fewer than 1,000 copies of her debut album during its first week on sale. It peaked at just 134 in the album chart last month.

Begley’s triumph over the favourite, Leah McFall, was watched by 8.7 million viewers, one of The Voice’s highest audience figures.

Jessie's decision to go will lead to speculation that other coaches may leave. They have said in the past that they would take an "all or nothing" approach to returning to the show.

However, the "Price Tag" singer said she would like to have some involvement in a further series. The BBC has already announced it will screen a third series of The Voice next year.

Jessie postponed a major tour earlier this year because she had been unable to complete her second album in time for the dates.

She said today: "I've absolutely loved my time on The Voice and I hope everyone saw and knows how passionately I felt about the show.

"However, I can't wait to promote my new record around the world and that has to take priority. I shall be keeping a very close eye on series three, showing my support in every way I can, and really hope that in some way that I can be part of the show."

Mark Linsey, controller of entertainment commissioning, said: "We're so sorry to see Jessie go as she's been an exceptional coach on - and advocate for - The Voice, but we totally support her decision to leave due to touring commitments overseas.

"We very much hope that Jessie will remain part of the show and come back and perform for us next series. In the meantime, we will now start the search for a new coach."