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

The Voice UK is reportedly making a major change to its Blind Auditions, replacing the familiar Rewind Button with a brand-new “Lockdown” twist.

Fans of The Voice UK are set to see a very different show when the next series arrives, following a huge shake-up both on and off the famous red chairs.

The reported change comes shortly after the shock departure of Sir Tom Jones, who had been part of the programme for 13 seasons.

A NEW BUTTON CHANGES THE FOUR-CHAIR TURN

According to reports, the new Lockdown Button will come into play when a contestant manages to turn all four coaches’ chairs.

Under the reported new format, one of the coaches can press the Lockdown Button and immediately secure the contestant for their team.

That would remove one of the show’s familiar moments — the stage where all four coaches pitch themselves to the singer before the contestant decides which team to join.

Instead, the decision could be taken out of the contestant’s hands almost instantly.

The reported twist will replace the Rewind Button, which was introduced during the current series but is not expected to return.

A VERY DIFFERENT VOICE UK

The change is part of a much larger overhaul of the ITV talent show.

For Series 15, Cheryl and Aitch are joining the coaching panel alongside returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

ITV has officially confirmed the new line-up and said the next series will air in 2027.

Meanwhile, Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon are taking over presenting duties, replacing long-time host Emma Willis. McFly stars Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher are also leaving the coaching line-up.

 TOM JONES’ SHOCK DEPARTURE

The overhaul follows the unexpected departure of Sir Tom Jones.

The 86-year-old singer said he did not want to leave the programme and claimed ITV had made the decision.

Tom said the reason given to him involved a financial difficulty with insurance, while ITV has publicly described the new line-up as part of a refresh of the programme.

ITV thanked Tom for his years on the show, describing him as an “irreplaceable” part of The Voice UK.

 THE NEXT ERA OF THE VOICE

With a completely different coaching line-up, new presenters and now a reported new audition mechanic, the next series could look very different from the programme longtime viewers know.

The biggest question may be what happens when a singer gets that coveted four-chair turn — because under the reported Lockdown twist, the contestant may no longer have the final say over which coach they join.

For now, ITV has officially confirmed the Series 15 line-up, while the details of the Lockdown Button remain based on media reports.

THE VOICE UK IS ENTERING A NEW ERA — AND THE WAY FOUR-CHAIR TURNS WORK COULD BE ABOUT TO CHANGE COMPLETELY.