Musician Tim Arnold has landed a spot on Team Ricky for this season’s The Voice UK, after auditioning in the blind round without telling his partner, Eastenders actress Jessie Wallace.
The 39-year old Londoner impressed judges with his version of Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’.
Kicking off last night’s audition show, the singer was bagged by Kaiser Chiefs lead man Ricky Wilson, although fellow judge Tom Jones appreciated his performance:
“That sounded strong and I liked it. I could hear you playing as well and because I have a couple of guys like that on my team so that’s why I didn’t turn.”
Will.I.Am also added to the praise, telling the singer:
“I’m happy you’re on the show as well.”
Image via BBC
Ricky told the audience he felt like fate had led him to pick Ricky, saying:
“I ran into this morning listening to Kate Bush.
“And I actually saw you this morning which is weird. I thought, I bet this guy is auditioning today. Congrats, welcome to Team Ricky.”
According to Radio Times, Arnold kept his audition a secret, wanting to make it on his own merits:
“He wanted to do this on his own so he didn’t bring Jessie or his good friend June Brown [EastEnders’ Dot Cotton] to the show with him”.
Jessie and Arnold have performed together in the past, with Arnold regularly playing shows at the Soho Theatre.
He will now compete in the battle round stages of the reality singing competition.
