Sir Tom Jones has concluded his tenure as a coach on The Voice UK after 13 years with the program. Jones, 86, had been a fixture on the show since its inception in 2012.
While Jones is stepping down as a regular coach, ITV is reportedly in discussions with him about a potential return to the series in a different capacity. A source from ITV indicated that the network values its relationship with Jones and is hopeful for his continued involvement.
The departure comes as reports suggest Cheryl is in talks for a significant television return as a coach on the upcoming season of the ITV show. If she joins, Cheryl would be alongside returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.
Further speculation surrounds the coaching panel, with rapper Aitch rumored to be a potential replacement for the departing McFly duo Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher. Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon have also been mentioned as possible successors to host Emma Willis.
Sources indicate that the upcoming series is being positioned for a significant refresh. "Everyone loves Sir Tom but there was a feeling that the upcoming series needed a major refresh," a source told The Sun. "With Aitch and Cheryl coming on board and Kelly returning with will.i.am, there just wasn’t a seat going."
Cheryl, 43, has been out of the primetime television spotlight for six years, with her last role as a dance captain on BBC's The Greatest Dancer in 2020. Negotiations with The Voice UK reportedly have been ongoing for months, with filming scheduled to commence on September 11 in Manchester. "Every year producers ask Cheryl to go on the show, and it’s a polite ‘no’ as the timing has never quite been right," an insider revealed. "This year it’s different. She feels ready to re-enter the spotlight and talks are now in the final stages."
Despite the coaching changes, Kelly Rowland is confirmed to return for her second series. Filming for the new season is set to begin shortly, with producers operating under the assumption that Cheryl will participate, especially with her long-time friend will.i.am also on the panel.
In parallel, Cheryl is reportedly considering a documentary about her life and career, which would delve into her successes starting with "Popstars: The Rivals." The project is also said to offer insights into her personal life, including past high-profile marriages and her relationship with Liam Payne, the father of her son Bear. Cheryl had paused her music career after Bear's birth in 2017, focusing on motherhood and television, before rejoining Girls Aloud for a reunion tour in 2024 in tribute to the late Sarah Harding.