ITV has unveiled a sweeping reset of The Voice UK, confirming that Sir Tom Jones will not return as a full-time coach when Series 15 arrives in 2027. Cheryl and rapper Aitch will join returning mentors Kelly Rowland and will.i.am, while Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon take over presenting duties from Emma Willis.
The changes remove Sir Tom, Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher from the coaching panel and usher in the programme’s most substantial personnel shake-up in years. They also follow Sir Tom’s contention that ITV dismissed him despite his wish to remain, citing what he was told was a “financial difficulty with insurance”.
A new era for the coaching chairs
ITV’s new configuration reaches well beyond one departure. Cheryl, the Girls Aloud singer, returns to a major television role, while Aitch makes his debut on the show. They will sit alongside Kelly Rowland and will.i.am, the two coaches retained from the existing panel. Sir Tom, Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher will all depart as regular mentors. Solomon and Dixon will front the next instalment, replacing Willis, who is due to lead the forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
In announcing the changes, ITV paid tribute to Sir Tom’s long association with the singing competition and the influence he has had across its various incarnations. The broadcaster described him as the “irreplaceable Sir Tom Jones” and thanked him for the “countless incredible and unforgettable moments he gave the show”.
ITV also thanked Willis, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones for their contributions, wishing all three well in their next projects. However, its statement left open the possibility of a smaller appearance by Sir Tom rather than ruling out every future connection to the programme.
Sir Tom disputes the circumstances of his exit
Sir Tom says he did not choose to leave and only learned of ITV’s decision recently, although the network had reached it some time earlier. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the 86-year-old singer challenged the public explanation being offered for the change.
“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. ITV made this decision – obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently.
“The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance.
“They now say in the press they wanted to refresh the show and, with a new coaching line-up, there wouldn’t be a chair for me.
“They are offering a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I’m not thrilled about that.
“So, the only thing I know right now, is that there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”
His remarks draw a sharp distinction between an insurance-related financial issue and the language of creative renewal. ITV’s announcement did not address that insurance explanation, instead focusing on the incoming team and its hopes for the next series.
A spokesperson said: “We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK.
“While he will no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, we continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series.”
A familiar battle over television reinvention
The Voice first appeared on BBC One in 2012, built around coaches selecting contestants by sound alone before the famous chair turns. ITV took over the rights from the sixth series, with Sir Tom coaching intermittently across the show’s run despite one earlier absence.
That history has not always been smooth. Before the fifth series in 2016, Sir Tom was removed from the BBC version and criticised what he called its “sub-standard behaviour”, saying he had been given only 24 hours’ warning. His latest departure therefore echoes an older dispute about how the franchise handles one of its most recognisable figures.
For ITV, though, the priority now appears to be presenting Series 15 as a fresh proposition. Cheryl brings established pop pedigree, Aitch offers a younger musical perspective, and Rowland and will.i.am provide continuity. The hosting switch adds further weight to the relaunch at a time when legacy entertainment formats are under pressure to stay culturally current without alienating loyal viewers.
The current series continues on 12 September at 7pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. The revamped edition is scheduled to air in 2027.
Why it Matters
Sir Tom Jones was more than another celebrity face on The Voice UK; his longevity connected the programme to several generations of popular music and gave
