# The Voice UK casting and format updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/the-voice-uk-casting-and-feature-updates > Updated: 2026-09-08T00:53:23.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 5. The 14th series of The Voice UK launched on August 22, 2026, featuring Kelly Rowland replacing LeAnn Rimes alongside will.i.am, Tom Fletcher, and Danny Jones. As of September 2026, the program is undergoing a significant coaching panel refresh. Sir Tom Jones has claimed he was “fired” from his role by ITV after 13 years with the show, alleging the decision was communicated to him recently. Jones stated on social media that he did not want to exit the program and expressed frustration over the manner in which he was informed. He alleged that ITV initially cited “financial difficulty with insurance” as the reason for his removal, though he noted media reports suggest the network intends to “refresh” the show with a new lineup. He expressed dissatisfaction with an alternative offer for a “much-reduced role” that did not involve full participation from the start of the competition, remarking, “there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.” ITV has confirmed that Jones will no longer serve as a full-time coach for the upcoming 15th series, though a spokesperson stated the network “continues to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series.” Public figures, including Carol Vorderman and former coach Olly Murs, have expressed support for the singer. The upcoming season is expected to feature a significant overhaul, with rumors suggesting Cheryl and rapper Aitch may join the lineup, while McFly members Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher are expected to depart. Filming for the new season was scheduled to begin on September 11 in Manchester. ## Claims - ITV is planning a major refresh of the coaching panel for The Voice UK. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Sir Tom Jones is stepping down as a full-time coach after 13 years. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Sir Tom Jones is in discussions to return to the show in a reduced or different capacity. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Rapper Aitch is expected to join the coaching panel. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Cheryl is reportedly in final stages of talks to return as a coach. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Kelly Rowland is expected to return for a second season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher are reportedly leaving the show. (corroborated by 2 sources) - New season filming is expected to begin on September 11 in Manchester. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Tom Jones claims he was fired from The Voice UK Sir Tom Jones claims he was fired from The Voice UK after 13 years, citing insurance costs and a show refresh as reasons for his removal from the full-time coaching panel. 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sir-tom-jones-exits-the-voice-uk-coaching-panel-after-13-years ### 2026-08-21: The Voice UK announces return with Kelly Rowland and new format The Voice UK returns on August 22, 2026, featuring new coach Kelly Rowland and a ‘rewind’ feature. Pop star Cheryl is also in advanced talks to join the judging panel. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-voice-uk-announces-return-with-kelly-rowland-and-new-format ### 2026-08-16: Kelly Rowland joins The Voice UK as coach Kelly Rowland joins The Voice UK as a coach, seeking artists with emotional impact. The new series also introduces a “rewind button” for coaches during blind auditions. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kelly-rowland-joins-the-voice-uk-as-coach-1 ### 2026-08-12: Kelly Rowland joins The Voice UK as coach Kelly Rowland joins The Voice UK as a coach for the new series launching August 22 on ITV, replacing LeAnn Rimes on the coaching panel. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kelly-rowland-joins-the-voice-uk-as-coach ### 2026-08-06: The Voice UK unveils new judges lineup featuring Kelly Rowland and introduces Rewind feature The Voice UK adds Kelly Rowland to its judges, replaces LeAnn Rimes, and introduces a one‑time Rewind button; Emma Willis remains host for the pre‑recorded series. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-voice-uk-unveils-new-judges-lineup-featuring-kelly-rowland-and-introduces-rewind-feature --- Cite as: The Voice UK casting and format updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/the-voice-uk-casting-and-feature-updates