THE VOICE UK INTRODUCES A SHOCK “LOCKDOWN” TWIST AFTER TOM JONES EXIT — AND IT COULD CHANGE THE AUDITIONS

The ITV singing competition is reportedly replacing the Rewind Button with a brand-new twist that could take the final decision away from contestants.

Fans of The Voice UK are facing a major change when the show returns, with bosses reportedly introducing a dramatic new feature called the “Lockdown Button.”

The reported shake-up comes just days after the shock departure of legendary coach Sir Tom Jones, who had been a familiar face on the programme for years.

And the new twist could completely change one of the most exciting moments of the Blind Auditions.

WHAT IS THE “LOCKDOWN BUTTON”?

According to reports, the new button will come into play when a contestant manages to achieve the coveted four-chair turn.

Under the reported new format, one of the coaches can press the Lockdown Button to automatically secure the singer for their team.

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

Instead, the power could suddenly shift into the hands of the coaches.

For viewers, the suspense would become a question of whether one of the coaches will hit the button — and which coach gets there first.

THE REWIND BUTTON IS REPORTEDLY GONE

The new feature is also expected to replace the Rewind Button, which was introduced during the current series.

Reports say the Rewind Button will not return for the next run, marking another significant change to the show’s Blind Auditions.

The change means fans could see a very different dynamic when four coaches turn for the same performer.

Rather than waiting for the singer to hear the coaches make their case, the decision could potentially be settled almost instantly.

TOM JONES’ SHOCK EXIT

The format change comes as Sir Tom Jones, 86, prepares to leave the coaching panel after a long association with the ITV programme.

Jones was one of the show’s original coaches when The Voice UK launched in 2012 and returned for numerous series over the years.

He recently said that he did not want to leave the programme, explaining that ITV had made the decision and that he had been informed only recently. He also said the reason given to him involved financial difficulties relating to insurance.

His departure has been followed by a wider overhaul of the coaching and presenting line-up.

 A VERY DIFFERENT VOICE UK

The next series is expected to feature Cheryl and Aitch alongside returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

Meanwhile, Emma Willis is leaving her long-running presenting role, with Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon reportedly taking over as co-hosts.

The result will be a significantly different line-up from the one viewers have become accustomed to.

And now, the reported Lockdown Button adds another major change to the competition itself.

 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Filming for the next series is already underway, with the new format expected to feature in the upcoming Blind Auditions.

ITV has not publicly detailed every aspect of the reported Lockdown format, so some of the mechanics remain subject to confirmation.

But if the reported rules go ahead, one thing is clear:

The moment a singer earns four chairs may no longer end with the contestant choosing their coach.

Instead, the coaches could have a brand-new way to make the decision for them.

And that could make the four-chair turn one of the most unpredictable moments of the new series.

The Voice UK returns with a dramatically different line-up — and now fans have a brand-new button to watch out for.