TOM JONES LEAVES THE VOICE UK AS ITV UNVEILS MAJOR 2027 SHAKE-UP

After more than a decade in one of the most recognisable red chairs on British television, Sir Tom Jones will not return as a full-time coach on The Voice UK in 2027.

The legendary Welsh singer, 86, was part of the programme from its very first series in 2012 and became one of its defining figures.

Now ITV has confirmed a major overhaul of the show — with a new coaching panel, new hosts and a significant change to the audition format.

For longtime viewers, the biggest change will be the absence of Tom.

TOM JONES SAYS HE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE

Tom publicly addressed his departure after news of the shake-up emerged.

The singer said he did not want to leave the programme and that he loved the show and appreciated its audience.

Tom also claimed that ITV had made the decision because of financial difficulties surrounding insurance and said he had only recently been informed.

According to reports, he was offered a much-reduced role rather than continuing as a full-time coach, something Tom said he was not enthusiastic about.

ITV’s official announcement did not describe the departure as a firing. Instead, the broadcaster thanked Tom for his years on the programme and described him as an “irreplaceable” part of The Voice UK.

A CAREER THAT BECAME PART OF THE SHOW’S HISTORY

Tom first joined The Voice UK when the programme launched in 2012.

Over the years, he became closely associated with the famous red chairs, turning for singers during blind auditions and mentoring contestants through the competition.

His presence also brought a unique connection between the modern television talent show and one of Britain’s most enduring music careers.

For many viewers, Tom was not simply another coach.

He was one of the familiar faces that helped define the programme.

That makes his departure one of the most noticeable changes in the show’s history.

THE NEW COACHING PANEL

ITV has confirmed that the 2027 series will feature a substantially different line-up.

Cheryl and rapper Aitch will join returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

Tom Jones, along with McFly stars Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher, will no longer be part of the coaching panel.

Cheryl’s arrival has attracted particular attention because she is expected to occupy the position previously associated with Tom.

She has already appeared alongside will.i.am during filming as a guest mentor for the current series, adding another connection between the old and new eras of the programme.

TWO NEW HOSTS WILL TAKE OVER

The changes are not limited to the coaches.

Longtime presenter Emma Willis is leaving The Voice UK as she moves into her new role presenting Strictly Come Dancing.

She will be replaced by Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon, who will share hosting duties for the new series.

Alesha has already spoken about bringing new energy to the programme, while Emma has publicly wished her well in the new role.

It means viewers will see an entirely different presenting and coaching combination when the next series arrives.

A NEW “LOCKDOWN” TWIST

The coaching changes are not the only surprise waiting for viewers.

Reports have revealed that The Voice UK is also introducing a new feature known as the “Lockdown” button.

The reported twist will come into play when all four coaches turn for a contestant.

Under the reported format, one coach could press the button to immediately 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.

The new feature is reportedly replacing the Rewind button used in the current series. ITV has not included the Lockdown feature in its official announcement about the new line-up.

FANS HAVE REACTED TO TOM’S EXIT

Tom’s departure has generated a strong reaction among longtime viewers.

Some fans have expressed disappointment at the loss of one of the programme’s most recognisable coaches, while others are looking ahead to the new combination of Cheryl, Aitch, Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

Reports have also highlighted calls from some viewers for Tom to return.

However, ITV has made clear that the next series will move forward with its new line-up.

The broadcaster thanked Tom for the “countless incredible and unforgettable moments” he brought to the show and praised the impact he had on singers who appeared before him.

THE VOICE UK IS ENTERING A NEW ERA

Series 15 of The Voice UK is scheduled to broadcast in 2027.

By then, almost every major element of the programme will have changed.

There will be new coaches.

New presenters.

A reported new audition twist.

And, most noticeably, there will no longer be a red chair occupied by Sir Tom Jones.

For Tom, however, the story is not necessarily one of simply walking away.

He has made clear that he loved being part of the programme and would have preferred to remain involved.

For viewers who have followed the show since its early years, his departure marks the end of a particularly familiar chapter.

A FAMILIAR FACE, A VERY DIFFERENT SHOW

For more than 13 years, Tom Jones sat in a red chair and watched hopeful singers step onto the Voice stage.

Some became successful performers.

Others disappeared from the spotlight.

But Tom remained one of the constants.

Now, as ITV prepares to introduce a completely redesigned version of the programme, his place will belong to someone else.

Whether the new format becomes the next successful chapter of The Voice UK will only become clear when the new series reaches viewers in 2027.

For now, one thing is certain:

The Voice UK will never quite look the same without Sir Tom Jones.

After more than a decade, the legendary coach’s chapter on the show has come to an end — while a completely new era is about to begin.