ITV addresses Sir Tom Jones' exit from The Voice UK as Cheryl and Stacey Solomon join show
A lot of changes seem to be happening...The Voice UK has shared a new statement confirming Cheryl, Stacey Solomon, Alesha Dixon and Aitch have joined the show following Tom Jones’ exit.
On Friday, The Sun released photos of Cheryl, Stacey and Aitch entering MediaCityUK studios for filming of series 15.
Cheryl’s appointment adds an experienced talent-show judge to a coaching line-up combining established mentors with two newcomers.
That shift comes alongside Sir Tom Jones’s departure from The Voice UK, making the programme’s wider overhaul more contentious.
Now, ITV has released a statement to confirm the changes.
Cheryl, Aitch and Stacey Solomon join The Voice UK
Cheryl already has a strong record from another major television singing competition. She served on The X Factor judging panel intermittently between 2008 and 2014.
During that period, she guided Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry to victory, winning the competition twice.
Now 43, the Girls Aloud singer will return to the type of judging role familiar to viewers. Kelly Rowland and will.i.am provide continuity as coaches on the ITV show, while Cheryl and rapper Aitch are the panel’s new arrivals. Aitch was also spotted arriving at the studios.
Photographs obtained by The Sun showed Cheryl wearing a roomy checked shirt as she entered the Manchester studio. Her arrival offered viewers a first look at this latest stage of her reported television comeback.
Elsewhere, Stacey Solomon was also seen arriving at the studios. She’s now been confirmed as host of the series 15 alongside Alesha Dixon.
ITV shares statement on The Voice UK changes
ITV has said: “ITV today reveals a brand new line-up for The Voice UK as Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon take the reins as hosts for Series 15.
“The famous red chairs will see the arrival of two musical forces making their debut as coaches. Platinum-selling rap artist Aitch and global pop icon Cheryl are set to begin their hunt for the nation’s next vocal powerhouse.”
It added: “These new additions will take their places alongside international superstar Kelly Rowland, who makes her highly anticipated return for a second series as a coach. They join long-standing The Voice UK legend will.i.am.
“ITV would like to thank the irreplaceable Sir Tom Jones for all his years on The Voice UK, and the countless incredible and unforgettable moments he gave the show. He has brought joy to audiences, and to every singer who performed for him and with him.”
Sir Tom Jones addresses The Voice UK exit
Sir Tom had appeared on The Voice UK since the programme launched in 2012. His departure removes one of the show’s longest-serving and most recognisable coaches.
In a statement shared on social media, Sir Tom wrote: “To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience.”
He said ITV had made the decision earlier but had only told him recently. Sir Tom said financial difficulty involving insurance was the reason given for his departure.
He also referred to reports about refreshing the show. The veteran singer said the new coaching line-up meant no chair remained for him.
According to recent reports, will.i.am reportedly feels “furious” over Tom’s exit. A source told The Sun: “It’s seriously awkward as Will.i.am is furious with how producers have handled things and is making his feelings known behind the scenes.
“Last weekend Sir Tom was packing his bags for the judges’ meeting, now he’s been dropped.”
Representatives for will.i.am have been contacted for comment.
Read more: Carol Vorderman slams ITV’s ‘terrible decision’ after Tom Jones’ axe from The Voice UK
The Voice UK continues at 7pm on ITV1 on Saturday September 12, 2026.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
