TOM JONES FACES SHOCK EXIT AS THE VOICE UK UNVEILS MAJOR NEW “LOCKDOWN” TWIST

Sir Tom Jones is leaving The Voice UK after more than a decade as one of the show’s most recognisable coaches, as ITV prepares to introduce a dramatically revamped format for its next series.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend has been part of The Voice UK since its launch in 2012, but he will not return as a coach for Series 15 in 2027.

ITV has officially confirmed a new coaching line-up featuring Cheryl and rapper Aitch alongside returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am. Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will also take over as the show’s new co-hosts.

TOM JONES SAYS HE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE

Jones previously said he did not want to leave the programme and claimed ITV had effectively “fired” him.

According to reports, he had been offered a much-reduced role for the next series, but he was unhappy with the proposal. ITV, meanwhile, described the changes as part of a wider refresh of the programme.

ITV paid tribute to Jones when announcing the new line-up, describing him as an “irreplaceable” part of the show’s history and thanking him for his years on the programme.

Jones’ departure has also prompted a strong reaction from viewers.

During a recent episode, the veteran singer performed his classic hit It’s Not Unusual, with fans subsequently taking to social media to express their disappointment over his exit.

A NEW “LOCKDOWN” BUTTON IS COMING

The coaching shake-up is not the only major change.

Reports say The Voice UK is replacing its recently introduced Rewind button with a new feature called the Lockdown Button.

Under the reported format, the button would become available when all four coaches turn their chairs for a contestant.

One coach could then press Lockdown to automatically secure the singer for their team.

That would remove the familiar moment in which a contestant listens to the coaches’ pitches before deciding which team to join. Instead, the decision could be taken out of the singer’s hands if a coach activates the new feature.

The change would fundamentally alter one of the show’s most recognisable moments: the four-chair turn.

A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT COACHING PANEL

The new series will feature Cheryl and Aitch as newcomers, alongside Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

Their arrival follows the departures of Tom Jones, Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher.

ITV has officially confirmed the line-up, while also announcing that Series 15 will air in 2027.

The hosting team is changing too.

Longtime presenter Emma Willis is stepping away from The Voice UK, with Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon taking over as co-hosts.

TOM JONES’ LEGACY REMAINS PART OF THE SHOW

Jones’ departure marks the end of a long chapter for The Voice UK.

He first joined the programme in 2012 and became one of its defining figures, returning across multiple series and mentoring generations of contestants.

Although he will no longer occupy one of the famous red chairs, reports have indicated that ITV may still involve him with the programme in a different capacity.

For now, however, the focus is firmly on the show’s next era.

With a new coaching panel, new presenters and a new Blind Audition twist, The Voice UK is heading into 2027 looking very different from the programme audiences have known for years.