Tom Jones ‘Did Not Want To Leave’ The Voice UK As ITV Unveils Huge New Line-Up — Cheryl And Aitch Join Coaching Panel

Sir Tom Jones has made it clear he never wanted to leave The Voice UK — but ITV is moving ahead with one of the biggest shake-ups in the show’s history.

The broadcaster has confirmed a brand-new line-up for Series 15, with Jones departing the famous red chairs and Cheryl and rapper Aitch joining returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

The changes do not stop there. Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon have also been confirmed as the programme’s new presenting duo, replacing Emma Willis.

It comes just days after 86-year-old Jones publicly addressed his exit, insisting that walking away from the long-running ITV singing competition was not his choice.

“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” Jones said in a statement shared on social media.

The Welsh music legend also claimed he had been told financial difficulties involving insurance were behind the decision.

His departure is particularly significant given that Jones has been part of The Voice UK since its launch in 2012, making him one of the programme’s longest-serving and most recognisable coaches.

ITV paid tribute to the singer while confirming his exit, describing him as “irreplaceable” and thanking him for the “countless incredible and unforgettable moments” he had brought to the show, its viewers and its contestants.

Cheryl Returns To The Red Chairs

Taking one of the most prominent spots in the revamped panel will be Cheryl, who returns to a familiar world after her years as a judge on The X Factor.

The former Girls Aloud star served on the ITV talent show between 2008 and 2014 and mentored Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry to victory, winning the series twice.

Now she will bring that experience to The Voice UK, joining Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

Aitch completes the new-look panel, giving the programme a younger voice as ITV attempts to refresh the format.

The rapper and Cheryl have already been photographed arriving at MediaCityUK as filming got underway.

A New Presenting Duo

The programme is also entering a new chapter away from the coaching panel.

Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon will take over hosting duties for Series 15, with Solomon spotted arriving at the show’s Manchester studios as production began.

The pair replace Emma Willis, who previously fronted the competition.

ITV has described the overhaul simply as a “brand new line-up” — but behind the scenes, reports suggest the changes may have been more complicated.

Reported Tension Over Jones’ Exit

Recent reports have claimed that will.i.am was unhappy with the way Jones’ departure was handled and had made his feelings known to producers.

One source alleged that the situation became “seriously awkward” after Jones had apparently been preparing for a judges’ meeting before discovering he had been dropped.

The claims have not been confirmed by ITV or will.i.am’s representatives, who have been contacted for comment.

What is confirmed is that Jones himself was unhappy with the decision, making his departure all the more striking after such a long association with the programme.

The Voice UK Moves On

The next series will therefore look dramatically different.

Cheryl and Aitch will take their places alongside Kelly Rowland and will.i.am, while Solomon and Dixon begin a new era in the presenter’s role.

For ITV, it represents an attempt to give The Voice UK a fresh identity.

For viewers who have watched Jones occupy one of those red chairs for more than a decade, however, the biggest change may be the one that was never supposed to happen — the exit of a coach who says he still wanted to be there.

The Voice UK returns to ITV1 at 7pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026.