The Voice returns with coaches Joel Madden, Ronan Keating, Delta Goodrem, Jessie J and Benji Madden. Picture: Supplied/Nine

In a surprise scheduling move, Nine confirmed the reality singing contest will return at 7pm next Sunday night for season five, featuring new coach Ronan Keating and returning stars Delta Goodrem, Jessie J and the Madden brothers.

Keating’s signing, as well as the shock exit of the show’s favourite former coach, Ricky Martin, was dropped without fanfare in a press release delivered to media on Christmas Eve — while the departure of the competition’s long-time host Darren McMullen was not mentioned at all.

Last night, Nine used a commercial break in its 6pm news bulletin to spruik the show’s return, taking advantage of increased viewer interest surrounding prison rescue and return home of 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown, producer Stephen Rice, cameraman Ben Williamson and sound recordist David Ballment.

In a statement, Nine revealed at the conclusion of this year’s blind auditions each coach will boast a team of 12 artists preparing for the next stages of competition including the battle rounds and new twist “the Super Battle.”

Keating said he was “loving being a coach on The Voice. It’s great to be able to nurture such amazing new talent and hopefully find a new global Australian star.”

Goodrem, who reportedly went to war with Jessie J on-and-off camera last year, said: “I can’t wait for Australia to hear and then see this season of versatile, exciting and intriguing artists. It’s been an incredible start to The Voice in 2016. We have our rockets, we have amazing talent and I can’t wait for the show to launch.”

Email: holly.byrnes@news.com.au

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