THE VOICE UK INTRODUCES A SHOCK ‘LOCKDOWN’ TWIST AFTER TOM JONES AXE — AND IT COULD CHANGE THE AUDITIONS FOREVER

ITV’s talent show is getting a major format shake-up, with a new “Lockdown Button” set to change what happens when all four coaches turn their chairs for a singer.

The Voice UK is entering a very different era.

Following the shock departure of Sir Tom Jones, ITV’s long-running singing competition is reportedly introducing a major new twist to its Blind Auditions — one that could completely change the moment contestants decide which coach they want to join.

The new feature has been dubbed the “Lockdown Button.”

And it gives the coaches a power they have not previously had in this form.

 WHAT IS THE NEW ‘LOCKDOWN’ BUTTON?

The new feature comes into play when a singer achieves the coveted four-chair turn — meaning all four coaches turn around after hearing the performance.

Under the reported new rules, a coach can press the Lockdown Button and automatically secure that singer for their team.

That means the contestant would no longer get the traditional opportunity to listen to each coach’s pitch before deciding which team to join.

Instead, the coach who activates the button effectively makes the decision immediately.

The change was reported as part of the format overhaul for the upcoming series.

THE REWIND BUTTON IS ALSO GOING

The Lockdown Button is reportedly replacing the Rewind Button, which was introduced during the previous series.

The Rewind feature will not return for Series 15.

That means viewers can expect a different dynamic during the Blind Auditions, particularly when a contestant manages to turn every coach’s chair.

Rather than watching four coaches compete for the singer before the contestant makes the final choice, the tension will now centre on whether one of them uses the new Lockdown power.

 THE BIG CHANGE COMES AFTER TOM JONES’ EXIT

The format shake-up arrives just days after the major controversy surrounding Sir Tom Jones’ departure.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend had been one of the show’s longest-serving coaches, having first joined the programme in 2012.

Jones has said publicly that he did not want to leave The Voice, while reports said ITV had decided not to retain him as a full-time coach.

ITV subsequently announced a completely revamped line-up for Series 15.

Cheryl and Aitch are joining returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

The presenting team is also changing, with Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon set to host the new series.

A VERY DIFFERENT VOICE UK

The Lockdown Button is just one part of a much larger transformation.

Alongside the new coaching panel and presenting team, the audition format itself is now being changed.

The traditional four-chair moment — previously followed by competing pitches from the coaches and a decision by the singer — will now have a new layer of uncertainty.

A contestant could impress all four coaches, only to find that one of them has the power to immediately lock them into a team.

That could make four-chair turns one of the most unpredictable moments of the new series.

 TOM JONES’ LEGACY REMAINS PART OF THE SHOW’S HISTORY

Tom Jones’ departure marks the end of a particularly long chapter for The Voice UK.

The singer became one of the programme’s defining coaches after joining its original panel and returning for numerous series.

ITV has publicly thanked Jones for the “countless incredible and unforgettable moments” he brought to the programme, while the new line-up takes the show into its next era.

Jones, meanwhile, has continued his music career outside the programme.

 WHAT VIEWERS WILL SEE NEXT

The new series is expected to look noticeably different — from the coaches sitting in the famous red chairs to the way contestants secure their teams.

And now there is another question hanging over every four-chair audition:

Will a coach hit the Lockdown Button before the singer gets the chance to choose?

The change may be only one new button, but it could fundamentally alter one of the most familiar moments in The Voice UK.