Cheryl has been seen arriving at The Voice UK studios in Salford to film the programme’s next series, confirming her return to television as the show faces continued criticism over Sir Tom Jones’s departure.
The former Girls Aloud singer was photographed at the studios on Friday, September 11, alongside rapper Aitch, who is joining the coaching panel, and Stacey Solomon, who is taking on presenting duties.
Cheryl’s appearance marks her first major primetime television role since 2020, when she served as a dance captain on the BBC series The Greatest Dancer. She has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, particularly following the death of her former partner Liam Payne.
The Voice UK faces upheaval over Tom Jones departure
The new series is being filmed against the backdrop of a row over the decision not to retain Sir Tom as a full-time coach.
The Welsh singer, 86, said earlier this week that he had not chosen to leave the ITV singing competition. In a statement, he claimed the broadcaster had cited “a financial difficulty with insurance” and had offered him a reduced role that would not have involved him from the opening blind auditions.
“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” he wrote.
Jones added: “There’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”
ITV said it had “loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years” and confirmed that he would not return as a full-time coach for series 15. The broadcaster added that discussions were continuing with the singer and his representatives about possible involvement in the programme.
Reports have claimed that fellow coach will.i.am has been unhappy about the decision and has made his views known behind the scenes. Any tension on set is understood to have complicated what would normally be a celebratory start to filming for the new coaching line-up.
Cheryl is understood to have been in discussions with programme bosses for several months before joining the show. Her appointment comes as ITV seeks to refresh the format following the departures of McFly stars Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.
Aitch was also seen arriving at the Manchester-area studios. The rapper has been linked with a place on the panel as part of the overhaul, while Kelly Rowland and will.i.am are expected to continue their association with the programme.
Stacey Solomon’s appointment represents another significant change. She is replacing Emma Willis, who has taken on a presenting role with BBC rival Strictly Come Dancing after hosting The Voice UK for a decade.
Although Cheryl’s arrival is expected to generate interest in the next series, the changes have been overshadowed by the dispute involving Sir Tom, who has been a central figure on the programme since its launch on the BBC in 2012, apart from a brief absence.
The current series was recorded considerably earlier than its broadcast, following delays to ITV’s scheduling. The new episodes featuring Cheryl, Aitch and Stacey Solomon are expected to form part of the show’s next run.
