The Voice UK returned to ITV on Saturday night (August 23) with a fresh series, but viewer reaction to the coaches was mixed as fans took to social media to describe their on-screen antics as "cringe".
Emma Willis welcomed a new wave of hopeful singers, all eager to impress coaches will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, Sir Tom Jones, Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher. Contestant Monique Nicholson-Porter performed "pov" by Ariana Grande, prompting all five coaches to hit their buzzers, spin their chairs and compete to recruit her to their teams.
Coaches battle to win over contestant
During their pitches, Tom and Danny launched into a rendition of Kelly's hit song "Dilemma" in a bid to persuade Monique to choose them as her coaches. will.i.am then leapt in with his own vocal effort, while Sir Tom also delivered a brief impromptu performance.
Monique ultimately opted for Destiny's Child star Kelly, but viewers at home found the spectacle "cringe" and shared their opinions on social media.
Fans divided over on-screen performances
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan wrote: "They're using Kelly's song against her. She needs to fight back now with one of their songs #thevoiceuk." Another added: "C'mon Kelly you can't have that. Sing your song back #Thevoiceuk." A third viewer remarked: "Oh ffs - this is cringe! ... #TheVoiceUK." While a fourth commented: "All this singing by the judges are too cheesy for me #TheVoiceUK."
Nevertheless, some viewers thoroughly enjoyed the episode, with one enthusing: "Tom Jones is 86 years old and he still has a voice like that. INCREDIBLE! #TheVoiceUK." A second posted: "Danny and Kelly's friendly banter is so funny #TheVoiceUK."
Cheryl rumoured to join panel
This follows reports that Girls Aloud star Cheryl is allegedly set to take a seat as a coach on The Voice UK. Filming for the upcoming series kicks off in September, with the pop icon rumoured to be preparing to step back into the limelight.
According to The Sun, Cheryl is said to be in the final stages of putting pen to paper. A source told the publication: "Every year producers ask Cheryl to go on the show and it's a polite 'no' as the timing has never quite been right. This year it's different. She feels ready to re-enter the spotlight and talks are now in the final stages. Things could come crashing down but with three weeks to go until filming kicks off, the production team is working on the assumption she will be doing it. It helps that long-term friend will.i.am will be beside her on the panel." The Daily Mirror has approached Cheryl's representatives and ITV for a response.
The Fight For This Love singer joining the panel may not be the only major change in store for The Voice UK, as it has also been reported that Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon could step in to replace Emma Willis as presenter.
Mother-of-three Emma has hosted The Voice UK since 2014, though her television commitments have continued to grow. She presents Love Is Blind UK on Netflix alongside her husband Matt Willis, and is also taking on a presenting role with Strictly Come Dancing when it returns this September. The Voice UK airs Saturday nights on ITV1 and ITVX.
