THE VOICE UK UNVEILS SHOCK “LOCKDOWN” TWIST AFTER TOM JONES EXIT

The Voice UK is heading for a major shake-up, with bosses introducing a brand-new “Lockdown Button” as part of a revamped format for the show’s next series.

The change comes after Sir Tom Jones’ departure from the coaching panel following 13 seasons on the ITV singing competition.

According to reports, the new feature will replace the Rewind Button, which was introduced during the current series but will not return for the next season.

HOW THE NEW “LOCKDOWN” BUTTON WORKS

The new twist will come into play when a contestant receives a four-chair turn — meaning all four coaches turn their chairs after hearing the singer perform.

Under the new format, the coaches will have the option of pressing the Lockdown Button.

If activated, the button will automatically secure the contestant for that coach’s team.

That means the singer could lose the opportunity to hear the coaches make their individual pitches before deciding which team they want to join.

The new system effectively removes one of the familiar moments from the Blind Auditions, where coaches compete to persuade a talented contestant to choose them.

Instead, a single button could decide which coach gets the singer.

THE REWIND BUTTON IS GONE

The Lockdown Button will replace the Rewind Button, which was introduced in the current series.

The Rewind feature allowed coaches to bring back a contestant they had previously rejected after realizing they may have made the wrong decision.

That feature will not return for the next series.

The new Lockdown system represents a significant change to the way contestants are allocated to teams.

TOM JONES’ DEPARTURE

The format change comes during one of the biggest shake-ups in the show’s history.

ITV has confirmed that Sir Tom Jones will not return as a coach for Series 15.

Jones had been part of The Voice UK since the show’s launch in 2012, although he did not appear in every season.

After news of his departure emerged, the Welsh music legend said publicly that he did not want to leave the programme.

Jones said ITV had made the decision and claimed he had initially been told it was connected to financial difficulties involving insurance. ITV, meanwhile, described the upcoming changes as part of a new line-up for the programme.

ITV later officially thanked Jone