End of an Era: Huge The Voice UK star ‘everyone loves’ is DROPPED from show after 13 years in savage shake-up
ITV drops beloved The Voice legend Sir Tom Jones after 13 years in brutal shake-up as Cheryl and Aitch lead explosive new era
ITV has reportedly made one of the biggest decisions in The Voice UK history, with beloved coach Sir Tom Jones set to lose his full-time red chair after 13 years on the hit singing competition.
The Welsh music legend, who has been part of the show since its launch in 2012, is understood to have been stood down as a full-time coach as bosses push ahead with a dramatic overhaul designed to breathe new life into the long-running series.
The move has already sent shockwaves through fans, many of whom have long considered Sir Tom to be the heart and soul of the programme.
At 86, the singer — affectionately nicknamed “The Voice” long before the ITV show adopted the name — has become one of its defining faces, mentoring countless contestants across more than a decade of emotional blind auditions, chair-turning moments and unforgettable performances.
But despite his popularity, ITV insiders reportedly believe the upcoming 15th series requires a major refresh.
According to sources, Sir Tom will no longer have his own team or permanent red chair, although discussions are continuing about bringing him back later in the series in what has been described as a “different capacity.”
“Everyone loves Sir Tom,” one insider reportedly said.
“But there was a feeling that the upcoming series needed a major refresh.”
Behind the scenes, ITV executives are said to be working hard to ensure the transition feels respectful rather than abrupt.
The source insisted the broadcaster remains determined to keep the legendary singer involved, even if his role becomes significantly smaller.
“Everyone is sad to see Tom go,” the insider added.
“Sir Tom adores the show and finding new talent and still wanted to be involved.”
The dramatic shake-up comes as ITV assembles what could become one of the programme’s most talked-about coaching panels yet.
Rapper Aitch is reportedly stepping in following the departure of McFly duo Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher.
Former Girls Aloud star Cheryl is also preparing for a highly anticipated return to British primetime television — her first major TV role in six years.
Meanwhile, Kelly Rowland is set to return for a second series after making her coaching debut in the current season.
She will once again join longtime coach will.i.am, the only remaining original panellist who has stayed with the programme since its BBC One launch in 2012.
The changes extend beyond the coaching lineup.
Alesha Dixon is reportedly taking over hosting duties alongside Stacey Solomon, replacing longtime presenter Emma Willis after her move to the BBC.
The overhaul represents one of the most significant reinventions in the show’s history.
Despite remaining one of ITV’s biggest Saturday-night entertainment programmes, drawing around two million viewers each weekend, The Voice has faced growing criticism over its ability to produce lasting music stars.
Unlike former rival The X Factor, which launched numerous household names, The Voice UK has struggled to create sustained commercial success stories.
Many fans point to Becky Hill as the programme’s greatest success, despite the singer being eliminated during the very first series before building an award-winning career.
That contrast has only increased pressure on producers to reinvent the format.
For many viewers, however, the biggest talking point is Sir Tom’s departure.
His warm mentoring style, encyclopedic knowledge of music and genuine enthusiasm for discovering new talent have made him one of the competition’s most beloved figures.
His emotional conversations with contestants have often become some of the show’s standout moments, while his willingness to perform alongside hopeful singers has repeatedly reminded audiences why he remains one of Britain’s greatest performers.
The prospect of watching The Voice UK without Sir Tom occupying one of the iconic red chairs is therefore likely to feel like the end of an era.
Yet ITV appears determined to convince viewers that this is not a farewell — merely a different chapter.
Whether audiences embrace the refreshed lineup or continue to demand the return of the show’s longest-serving coach remains to be seen.
One thing, however, is certain.
After 13 years of turning chairs, changing lives and becoming synonymous with The Voice UK, Sir Tom Jones’ reported exit marks one of the most dramatic shake-ups the competition has ever seen — and fans are unlikely to stay quiet about it.
