Sir Tom Jones has concluded his tenure as a coach on The Voice UK after 13 years with the competition. The legendary Welsh singer, 86, has been a fixture on the show since its inception in 2012. While departing his coaching role, Jones is reportedly in discussions to remain involved with the series in a different capacity later in the season.
This development coincides with reports that Cheryl is being considered for a return to the show as a coach. If she joins, she would be part of a significant cast overhaul for the upcoming season. Aitch has also been rumored to join, potentially replacing McFly members Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher, who are reportedly leaving the program. Kelly Rowland is confirmed to return for her second series.
Sources suggest that while ITV values its relationship with Sir Tom, the network is seeking a refresh for the upcoming series. The potential additions of Aitch and Cheryl, alongside Rowland's return and will.i.am's continued presence, have led to a reevaluation of the coaching lineup. Despite the change, there is hope that Sir Tom will continue his involvement in a less prominent role, as he remains passionate about the show and discovering new talent.
Further changes are being discussed for the hosting position, with speculation that Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon might replace the departing host, Emma Willis. Cheryl, a former Girls Aloud member and X Factor judge, has been out of primetime television for six years, with her last television appearance being a dance captain on BBC's The Greatest Dancer in 2020. She has reportedly been in talks with The Voice UK producers for several months regarding a return.
Filming for the new season is scheduled to begin on September 11 in Manchester. Insiders have indicated that Cheryl feels ready to re-enter the public eye, and negotiations are in their final stages. Her potential return could be facilitated by the presence of her long-time friend, will.i.am, on the judging panel.
Separately, Cheryl is reportedly considering a career move into documentary filmmaking. This follows a period of reduced public activity since the death of Liam Payne, father of her son Bear, two years ago. Her music career also took a backseat after Bear's birth in 2017, with her focus shifting to motherhood and television work. In 2024, she participated in the Girls Aloud reunion tour, a tribute to her late bandmate Sarah Harding. The potential documentary would explore her career successes, beginning with her rise to fame on Popstars: The Rivals, and may also offer insights into her personal life, including her marriages to Ashley Cole and Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, and her relationship with Liam Payne.