The Voice star Craig Eddie crowned winner of 2021 series following emotional finale

THE Voice UK star Craig Eddie has been crowned the winner of the 2021 series last night.

The Scottish singer-songwriter battled it out with hopefuls Grace Holden, Okulaja, and Hannah Williams for the chance to scoop a lucrative recording contract in the tense final.

First time coach Anne-Marie had pinned her hopes of winning on 23-year-old Craig, and screamed as host Emma Willis announced he’d won.

Dressed in a black leather jacket, Craig sang original ballad Come Waste My Time, leaving voters amazed by his incredible songwriting and vocals who.

He said of his win: “It was a bit of a risk but it was a risk I was willing to take because that what I’m focusing on, to get my stuff out there.

“I am so shocked, honestly thank you to everyone, thank you to Scotland.”

Hannah Williams and Okulaja came joint third in the singing competition, leaving Grace and Craig, coached by pop star Anne-Marie, with one last chance to perform and win over the viewers at home.

Grace had earlier impressed the judges as she opened the finale with a rendition of Before You Go by chart topper Lewis Capaldi, with Hannah following with Celeste’s hit Little Runaway. 

Okulaja rapped and sang Counting stars by One Republic and Craig took on Train Wreck by James Arthur.

Born and raised in the Scottish town of Falkirk, Eddie said he had always harboured dreams of becoming a singing success – and bookmakers tipped the Scotsman as favourite to win the show.

He said about reaching the final: “To have made the final is amazing, the experience of being on The Voice has really brought me on as a person. I’ve loved every minute of it.”

The last four remaining contestants included Kent student Okulaja, who was representing Team Will in Saturday night’s finale. 

The anti-bullying ambassador explained he wants to use the power of music to spread his message to other young people. 

Part-time theatre school teacher and shop assistant Grace Holden hailed from Essex.

The 18-year-old was representing one of her home counties most famous exports in Olly Murs.

She entered the competition in a bit to make her late mum Sheila proud.

Hannah Williams was flying the flag for Team Tom.

She already had impressive singer credentials, with her vocals featuring on a track by rap icon Jay-Z. 

Olly Murs’ act Blessing Chitapa was crowned the winner of The Voice 2020.

The 18-year-old and her coach Olly Murs won after beating other finalists Gevanni Hutton, Jonny Brooks and Brooke Scullion.

The winner of The Voice 2020 got a record deal with Polydor Records alongside the release of their debut single.

There is no cash prize for winning The Voice.

Winners previously got £100,000 before the show moved from BBC to ITV.

Former The Voice winners Ruti Olajugbagbe and Mo Jamil are also signed to Polydor Records.