THE VOICE UK INTRODUCES SHOCK ‘LOCKDOWN’ TWIST AFTER TOM JONES EXIT

The Voice UK is heading into a major new era after the departure of Sir Tom Jones — and viewers are now facing a reported change to one of the show’s most familiar Blind Audition moments.

A new “Lockdown Button” is reportedly being introduced for the next series, replacing the recently introduced Rewind Button and giving coaches a new way to secure contestants during the Blind Auditions.

The reported twist comes as ITV prepares for a dramatic overhaul of the programme, with a completely revamped coaching and presenting line-up already confirmed for Series 15.

HOW THE ‘LOCKDOWN’ BUTTON COULD WORK

According to reports, the new feature will come into play when all four coaches turn their chairs for a contestant.

Under the reported format, one of the coaches could then press the Lockdown Button to immediately secure the singer for their team.

That would remove one of the show’s familiar moments: the contestant hearing each coach make their pitch before ultimately deciding which team to join.

Instead, a coach could take control of the decision by activating the new button.

The change has been described as a replacement for the Rewind Button, which was introduced during the current series but is reportedly being removed for the next run.

The reported format change has not been detailed in ITV’s official announcement about the new series, so the exact rules of the Lockdown Button could still be subject to confirmation.

TOM JONES’ SHOCK DEPARTURE

The reported twist arrives after one of the biggest changes in The Voice UK‘s history.

Sir Tom Jones, who had been one of the programme’s original coaches when it launched in 2012, will not return for Series 15.

ITV officially confirmed the new line-up on September 11, thanking the Welsh music legend for his years on the programme and describing him as an “irreplaceable” part of the show’s history.

Jones later said he had not wanted to leave the programme and that he loved The Voice.

Reports surrounding his departure have generated considerable reaction from viewers, with a petition calling for his return attracting thousands of signatures.

A COMPLETELY NEW COACHING PANEL

Jones is not the only familiar face leaving.

ITV has confirmed that Cheryl and Aitch will join returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am for the new series.

Aitch will make his debut as a coach, while Cheryl returns to the format as part of the new panel.

The new four-coach line-up will therefore consist of:

• will.i.am
• Kelly Rowland
• Cheryl
• Aitch

ITV said the new coaches will begin searching for the country’s next major vocal talent when Series 15 airs in 2027.

TWO NEW HOSTS

The programme is also changing behind the scenes.

Long-time presenter Emma Willis is leaving The Voice UK, with Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon taking over as co-hosts.

ITV confirmed that the pair will “take the reins” for Series 15, meaning the programme will move from its familiar single-host format to a two-presenter setup.

Willis is moving on to host Strictly Come Dancing, while Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones are also departing the coaching panel.

ITV thanked all three for their contributions to the programme.

FANS FACE A VERY DIFFERENT VOICE UK

The changes mean viewers will see a very different Voice UK when the new series arrives.

The coaches will be entirely different from the current panel apart from will.i.am and Kelly Rowland, while the presenting team will also have a new look.

And if reports about the Lockdown Button are confirmed, the Blind Auditions themselves will also operate differently.

The traditional four-chair turn could become even more unpredictable, with contestants potentially losing the final say over which coach they join if another coach activates the new button.

For fans, that could create a completely different kind of tension during the auditions.

Instead of waiting to hear which coach a contestant chooses, viewers could be watching the coaches closely to see whether one of them makes the decisive move first.

SERIES 15 WILL ARRIVE IN 2027

ITV has confirmed that the new series of The Voice UK will air in 2027.

The current series continues separately, meaning viewers will have to wait before seeing the full impact of the new coaching panel and reported Blind Audition changes.

For now, the Lockdown Button remains a reported format change, while ITV’s new coaching and presenting line-up is officially confirmed.

But with Tom Jones gone, Cheryl and Aitch joining the red chairs, and two new hosts taking over, one thing is already clear:

The Voice UK is entering a very different chapter — and the Blind Auditions could be changing with it.