THE VOICE UK INTRODUCES SHOCK ‘LOCKDOWN’ TWIST AFTER TOM JONES EXIT AS NEW SERIES GETS MAJOR OVERHAUL

The Voice UK is reportedly preparing to introduce a dramatic new “Lockdown” twist when the singing competition returns in 2027 — following a major shake-up that will see Sir Tom Jones leave the coaching panel.

Fans of the long-running ITV show could see one of the biggest changes yet to the Blind Auditions, with reports suggesting the familiar Rewind Button will be replaced by a new feature known as the “Lockdown Button.”

The reported change comes as The Voice UK prepares for its 15th series with a completely revamped coaching and presenting line-up.

HOW THE NEW “LOCKDOWN” BUTTON COULD WORK

According to reports, the new feature would come into play during one of the most exciting moments of the Blind Auditions — when a contestant manages to make all four coaches turn their chairs.

Under the reported new format, a coach could press the Lockdown Button and immediately secure the contestant for their team.

That would remove the traditional moment in which a four-chair-turn contestant listens to each coach make their pitch before deciding which team to join.

Instead, the decision could potentially be taken out of the contestant’s hands before the coaching battle even begins.

The reported twist would therefore shift the suspense onto the coaches themselves, as viewers wait to see whether one of them will use the button.

The details have been reported by entertainment outlets, including TV Guide, which said the Rewind Button is expected to be dropped in favour of the new format. ITV has not included the Lockdown Button in its official announcement of the new series line-up.

A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VOICE UK

The reported format change comes alongside a major overhaul behind the famous red chairs.

ITV has officially confirmed that Cheryl and rapper Aitch will make their coaching debuts on Series 15.

They will join returning international stars Kelly Rowland and will.i.am on the panel.

The changes mean three familiar faces will no longer be part of the coaching line-up.

Sir Tom Jones, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones are all leaving the programme.

ITV paid tribute to Sir Tom, describing him as an “irreplaceable” part of The Voice UK and thanking him for the many memorable moments he had given viewers and contestants throughout his time on the show.

Tom Jones first joined The Voice UK when the programme launched in 2012 and became one of its most recognisable figures.

His departure has already generated significant attention, with reports that the singer believed ITV had made the decision to remove him from the programme.

NEW PRESENTERS WILL ALSO TAKE OVER

The changes will not be limited to the coaching panel.

ITV has confirmed that Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will become the new hosts of The Voice UK for Series 15.

They will replace Emma Willis, who is leaving the programme after years as its familiar presenter.

The broadcaster also thanked Willis, along with departing coaches Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, for their contributions to the show.

The new line-up means viewers will see a very different version of the programme when the next series arrives.

WHEN WILL THE NEW SERIES AIR?

ITV has confirmed that Series 15 of The Voice UK will air in 2027.

The current series continues on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, while production preparations for the next instalment are already underway.

For now, the reported Lockdown Button remains one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the upcoming series.

If the feature is introduced as reported, it could fundamentally change the dynamics of the Blind Auditions — particularly the dramatic four-chair turns that have become one of the show’s signature moments.

But until ITV officially confirms the new mechanism, viewers will have to wait to see exactly how the reported “Lockdown” twist will work when The Voice UK returns in 2027.