18-year-old Zimbabwean wins The Voice UK

Blessing Chitapa has been crowned as the winner of The Voice UK. 

The 18-year-old singer, who was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the UK aged seven, was named as the winner during Saturday’s episode of the ITV talent competition.

She saw off competition from Jonny Brooks, who was coached by Sir Tom Jones, in the final.

Chitapa, who lives in Dudley in the West Midlands, sang Robbie Williams’ Angels and James Bay’s Hold Back The River in the final.

The latter song was a duet with her mentor Olly Murs. 

A tearful Chitapa said she is “so happy to have sung on this stage”.

It has been an honour and my privilege and it has been unforgettable, she added.