The Voice UK Finalist Returns to Building Trade After Music Industry Struggles
Callum Doignie, a finalist on The Voice UK in 2023, has abandoned his pursuit of fame to return to his previous career as a builder and plasterer. The singer, who was mentored by legendary hitmaker Sir Tom Jones during the ITV competition, has openly discussed the challenges of transitioning from the spotlight back to everyday work.
From Stage to Construction Site
Doignie, hailing from Telford, shared his experiences in a recent TikTok video, juxtaposing clips of his performance with Sir Tom Jones against footage of him plastering walls and demolishing structures. He captioned the post, "No one ever talks about how difficult it is to go from singing in The Voice UK Final with Tom Jones... to going back to being a builder and plasterer." In a follow-up, he added, "Back to reality I guess..." reflecting on the stark contrast between his television appearance and current reality.
Despite his success on the show, which included a collaboration with US artist Teddy Swims and the formation of his band, Callum and The Pookies, Doignie found the music industry exceptionally tough to navigate. His band continues to perform, with upcoming shows scheduled in Birmingham and Shropshire from February to May, and they have released original tracks like Pretend and Burned Out on streaming platforms.
Fan Reactions and Support Systems
Followers quickly responded to his TikTok, with many inquiring about mental health support from the show. Doignie confirmed that ITV provided free therapy for twelve months post-show, stating, "In fairness, credit to ITV, they offered you free therapy for 12 months after the show, the experience as a whole was quite incredible." Others suggested he secure an agent or management team, to which he replied, "that sounds expensive," highlighting financial barriers in the industry.
One fan proposed he rebrand as "the singing plasterer," combining his talents on social media. However, Doignie pointed out practical limitations, noting, "Difficult to do when working on someone's house, not everyone would appreciate me singing and going live in their home." This underscores the balancing act between creative pursuits and professional responsibilities.
Broader Context of The Voice UK
Doignie's story emerges amid reports of delays for The Voice UK's 14th series. Initially filmed in 2024 with judges Will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, Danny Jones, and Tom Jones, alongside host Emma Willis, the launch has been postponed multiple times, now slated for autumn at the earliest. A source indicated that over two years may pass between auditions and live finals, sparking speculation about the show's future. ITV has affirmed the series will air this year, but the hiatus raises questions about its longevity.
The last season aired in 2023, with winners Ava Manning securing a Universal record deal and significant prizes. Meanwhile, ITV's schedule is undergoing changes, with Celebrity Big Brother reportedly paused for two years, while the civilian version may be extended to eight weeks due to its cost-effectiveness and popularity.
Callum Doignie's journey highlights the often-overlooked realities of post-reality TV life, where dreams of stardom can clash with economic and industry pressures. His return to the trades, supported by ITV's mental health initiatives, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by contestants beyond the stage.
