Fans of The Voice were left feeling emotional after Sir Tom Jones ended his final series with a winning act. Cait McHugh was crowned the winner of the 2026 series by host Emma Willis, but viewers celebrating her success were also saddened by the end of Sir Tom's time as a coach.
Emotional Reaction to Sir Tom's Farewell
The 86-year-old revealed last month that ITV had decided he would not return, bringing his 13-year run on the programme to an end. Taking to X during the final, one viewer wrote: "Anyone else get emotional every time they even see Tom, knowing this is his last series?"
Another praised Cait while questioning the decision to let her mentor go: "A massive well done to Cait! A beautiful and sensational singer mentored by a truly iconic singer! See, this is so wrong that Tom Jones is leaving."
Bittersweet Victory
For another fan, the victory made his farewell all the more emotional. Alongside a crying face emoji, they wrote: "Tom Jones wins as a mentor, congratulations! But it's bittersweet though as it's his last year on."
A third viewer added: "The Voice will be finished when Sir Tom leaves...," while another posted: "So glad for Kate, but also for Sir Tom," reports Wales Online.
Sir Tom's Statement and Show Changes
Sir Tom has made clear that leaving was not his choice. In an Instagram statement last month, he said: "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 just told recently."
He and will.i.am are among the show's original coaches. LeAnn, Danny and Tom joined them in 2024, replacing Anne Marie and Olly Murs. The programme is now set for further changes, with Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon stepping in as presenters. Aitch and Cheryl will join the coaching line-up alongside Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.
Tour Postponements
Away from the show, Sir Tom has also had to postpone performances after being "unexpectedly hit with a bad case of the flu." Having completed 20 concerts, he postponed two gigs on October 26 and another on October 29. Fans were subsequently told the remainder of his tour would be rescheduled, with his October 31 and November 1 performances postponed on medical advice.
The Voice is available to watch on ITVX.
