THE VOICE UK HITS A RECORD LOW — VIEWERS TUNE OUT AS TOM JONES EXIT SENDS SHOCKWAVES THROUGH THE SHOW

Fewer than 1.5 million viewers watched the latest episode — the lowest audience figure ever recorded for the hit ITV singing competition.

The Voice UK has suffered a dramatic ratings blow after fewer than 1.5 million viewers tuned in for its latest episode, marking the lowest audience figure in the show’s history.

The slump comes just weeks after Sir Tom Jones was dropped from the coaching line-up, triggering an outpouring of disappointment from fans who had grown used to seeing the legendary Welsh singer in his red chair.

Tom, 86, said he did not want to leave the programme and claimed ITV had made the decision to remove him. He said he had initially been told the reason involved financial difficulties with insurance, while ITV later described the upcoming changes as part of a desire to “refresh” the show.

A STUNNING DROP FOR A ONCE-HUGE SHOW

The latest figure is a striking contrast with the show’s earlier years.

According to reports, The Voice UK once averaged around 8.5 million viewers during its peak, making the latest figure a dramatic fall from those heights.

The episode also aired later than usual, at around 9pm, to avoid clashing with Strictly Come Dancing, which was attracting more than five million viewers that night.

Still, the record-low figure has reignited questions about whether ITV’s major overhaul has come at the wrong time.

 TOM JONES’ EXIT HAS LEFT FANS DIVIDED

Tom’s departure sparked an online campaign calling for him to return.

A petition demanding that ITV reinstate the veteran singer has attracted tens of thousands of signatures, while former fellow coach will.i.am has publicly backed the campaign.

Tom had been part of The Voice UK since its early years and became one of the programme’s most recognisable faces.

His exit therefore represents more than simply a change of coach — for many viewers, it marks the end of an era.

 ITV IS COMPLETELY REVAMPING THE SHOW

The next series will look very different.

ITV has announced that Cheryl and Aitch will join returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am, while Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over presenting duties.

Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Emma Willis are also leaving the programme.

ITV has thanked Tom as an “irreplaceable” part of the show’s history, while confirming that the new series will launch in 2027.

 HAS THE SHAKE-UP GONE TOO FAR?

The timing has now created an uncomfortable question for ITV.

Is the ratings collapse simply part of the show’s wider viewing decline — or are audiences genuinely unhappy with the changes?

The latest numbers cannot prove that Tom Jones’ departure caused the fall. But with the record-low audience arriving so soon after his controversial exit, the connection is likely to fuel even more debate among fans.

For now, one thing is clear:

The Voice UK is entering a completely new era — and viewers are already making their feelings known.

Would you watch The Voice UK more often if Tom Jones returned?