Sir Tom Jones attends The Voice UK 2019 photocall at The Soho Hotel with Will.i.am. Photo / Getty Images
The broadcaster is preparing one of the biggest overhauls in the show’s history. Rapper Aitch is expected to join the coaching panel.
Former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy is also reportedly lined up for her first major British television role in six years, while Destiny’s Child star Kelly Rowland will return for a second series alongside long-serving coach will.i.am, Metro UK reported.
The changes were driven by a desire to modernise the format and refresh the coaching line-up.
“Everyone loves Sir Tom but there was a feeling that the upcoming series needed a major refresh. With Aitch and Cheryl coming on board and Kelly returning with will.i.am, there just wasn’t a seat going,” the source told the Sun.
Despite losing his place on the panel, Jones is said to remain passionate about the programme and its mission to discover new talent. Sources claim he has expressed a desire to stay involved in some capacity and talks are ongoing about a possible guest or mentoring role.
Sir Tom Jones has been a fixture on the Voice UK show since its launch in 2012. Getty Images
Even after about 15 years on air, The Voice UK remains one of ITV’s strongest entertainment brands, attracting around two million viewers each week.
However, unlike former rival The X Factor, the singing competition has struggled to generate major chart stars, according to the Sun.
Becky Hill, who appeared in the first series in 2012, remains its most notable success story, achieving 19 UK Top 40 singles despite not winning the competition.
Filming for the revamped series is due to begin in Manchester this week, with the new season expected to air next year.