There is some VERY bad news on the way for fans of The Voice

The next season of The Voice UK could very well be its last, according to various sources inside the BBC.

Despite growing viewership figures – almost seven million people tuned in for the series four finale – it's believed the show may be dropped to cut costs.

Senior executives have reportedly been warned not to get into a "bidding war" for the show with ITV, amid mounting pressure to make budget cuts.

"The BBC has had no choice but to walk away in the face of all the cuts being made," a source told The Mirror.

"It’s a sad day, because it’s a BBC show."

While the show is likely not to be produced by the BBC from 2016 on, it could of course be picked up by ITV, home of The X Factor and I'm A Celebrity.

ITV are already believed to have made an offer, and a three-year deal is expected to be signed within days, with bosses there promising to match the €14million-a-series costs.

The fifth season of The Voice kicks off in January on BBC One, with will.i.am, Paloma Faith, Boy George and Ricky Wilson all lined up as coaches.

Back in August, the BBC was forced to apologise publicly to former coach Tom Jones, after he was axed from the judging panel without warning.

The singing legend took to social media to express his anger, accusing producers of "sub-standard behaviour."

Former Director of Television for the BBC, Danny Cohen, later said he was "truly sorry" for any upset caused.