Manchester rapper Aitch and pop icon Cheryl have been confirmed as new coaches on The Voice UK, replacing Sir Tom Jones and McFly duo Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones for the ITV series' 15th season.
The announcement came on Friday afternoon (September 11), ending months of speculation. Cheryl, best known as a member of Girls Aloud, returns to ITV after previously serving as a judge on The X Factor from 2008 to 2010 and again in 2014 and 2015. Aitch, whose real name is Harrison James Armstrong, rose to fame in 2018 with his debut single Straight Rhymez and has since won a Brit Award and released two albums.
Sir Tom Jones' exit and ITV response
Earlier in the week, Sir Tom Jones addressed his departure from The Voice UK on social media. The 86-year-old Welsh singer has worked on the series on and off since its 2012 debut, when it initially aired on the BBC.
In an Instagram statement on Tuesday (September 8), Sir Tom said he was "not thrilled" at the reduced role ITV had offered him. He wrote: "To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. ITV made this decision – obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently." He added that the reason given was "financial difficulty with insurance" and that the show wanted a "refresh" with a new coaching line-up.
A spokesperson for The Voice responded: "We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK. While he will no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, we continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series."
New coaching panel and presenters
The new line-up sees Aitch and Cheryl join returning coach Kelly Rowland, who made her debut on the current 14th series after replacing LeAnn Rimes. Long-standing coach will.i.am also remains on the panel.
An ITV spokesperson said: "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."
In addition to the coaching changes, Emma Willis is leaving the show, and Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over as presenters for series 15. ITV thanked Sir Tom Jones, Emma Willis, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones for their contributions, confirming that series 15 will broadcast in 2027.
