'The Voice UK' open auditions announced by BBC

The BBC has announced that auditions for The Voice UK will begin at the end of October.

BBC One controller Danny Cohen recently reached an agreement with creator John de Mol to bring the hit US show to the UK. While specific broadcast details for the show's launch next spring remain unknown, hopefuls are now being invited to apply for the series.

"Four of the biggest names in music are looking for incredible singing talent to compete for the title of The Voice UK," the BBC teased on a new website for the programme.

"Only the most unique and distinctive voices will make it to the filmed auditions and get to sing for our celebrity coaches."

The four still-unannounced judges won't attend these auditions, which will not be broadcast on television.

Solo singers and duos, who must be aged 16 or over after August 31, 2011, are now being invited to apply to attend one of the open auditions - dates below are subject to change -, which will be held around the UK later this year:

London:
Monday 31st October 2011
Tuesday 1st November 2011
Wednesday 2nd November 2011
Friday 25th November 2011
Saturday 26th November 2011

Birmingham:
Saturday 5th November 2011
Sunday 6th November 2011

Cardiff:
Wednesday 9th November 2011
Thursday 10th November 2011

Glasgow:
Monday 14th November 2011
Tuesday 15th November 2011

Manchester:
Friday 18th November 2011
Saturday 19th November 2011

Belfast:
Tuesday 22nd November 2011

Registrations must be submitted by midnight on Monday, October 24 for the first London dates and all other cities, and Saturday, November 19 for the second London dates.

Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton will all return to their roles on the American version of The Voice, when it returns for its second series on February 5, 2012.

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