FANS LEFT IN TEARS AS SIR TOM JONES TAKES HIS FINAL BOW ON THE VOICE UK — AND HIS CONTESTANT CLAIMS ONE LAST VICTORY

For millions of viewers, Saturday night’s The Voice UK final was about more than discovering a new singing champion. It was also an emotional goodbye to one of the programme’s most familiar and beloved faces.

Sir Tom Jones made what is expected to be his final appearance as a full-time coach on the ITV singing competition on October 31, 2026. And in a moment that made the farewell even more memorable, his contestant, Cate McHugh, was crowned the winner.

After more than a decade in the famous red chair, the 86-year-old music legend ended his latest chapter on the show with a victory — but many fans were left wondering why he would not be returning.

Cate McHugh gives her mentor a winning send-off

The grand final saw four talented singers compete for the title: Cate McHugh, Monique Nicholson-Porter, Naná Aldrin-Quaye and Frank Raven.

Cate, a 31-year-old singer from Llantwit Major in Wales, represented Team Tom and delivered an emotional performance of The Beatles’ classic Blackbird.

She later shared the stage with Sir Tom for a duet of John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads.

When the result was announced, Cate was visibly overwhelmed.

“Thank you, I did it,” she said.

Her victory earned her a £50,000 cash prize and a recording contract, marking a major milestone in her musical journey.

Cate has also spoken openly about living with Stargardt disease, a degenerative eye condition that has left her registered blind. Her journey on the programme was especially meaningful after Sir Tom was the only coach to turn his chair during her blind audition.

For the legendary singer, watching his contestant lift the trophy made his final series all the more special.

Fans say The Voice UK will never be quite the same

As the final aired, viewers took to social media to celebrate Cate’s achievement while expressing sadness over Sir Tom’s departure.

One fan congratulated the pair and described Tom as more than just a coach, saying he was part of the show’s “heart and soul.”

Another viewer wrote that Tom would be “missed so much,” while others questioned ITV’s decision to remove such an experienced and popular figure from the coaching panel.

Some fans even suggested they might not watch the next series without him.

The reactions showed just how strongly audiences had connected with the singer throughout his years on the programme.

For many, his warmth, humour, musical knowledge and unmistakable voice had become an essential part of The Voice UK.

Sir Tom says leaving was not his decision

Sir Tom’s departure became public in September, when it emerged that he would not return as a full-time coach for the next series.

The singer later addressed the decision directly in a statement shared with fans, making clear that he had not wanted to leave.

“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” he said.

He explained that ITV had made the decision and that he had been told it was connected to financial difficulties involving insurance.

He also questioned the broadcaster’s later explanation that the programme needed a refreshed coaching line-up, saying the proposed changes meant there would no longer be a full-time chair for him.

An ITV spokesperson said the programme had loved working with Sir Tom over the years and confirmed that he would no longer be a full-time coach in the next series. The broadcaster also said discussions about possible future involvement were continuing.

A new era begins for The Voice UK

The next series is expected to look very different.

Cheryl and rapper Aitch are joining the coaching panel, alongside returning coaches will.i.am and Kelly Rowland. Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon are also set to take over presenting duties.

Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones will not be returning as coaches either, marking a significant change for the programme.

Sir Tom first joined The Voice UK when it launched in 2012, missing only one series during his time with the show. Over the years, he became one of its most recognisable personalities and guided several contestants to victory.

Now, with Cate McHugh taking the 2026 title, he has one final triumph to add to that legacy.

His departure may signal the end of a familiar era for the programme, but the affection shown by viewers suggests his contribution will not be forgotten anytime soon.

For fans who grew accustomed to seeing Sir Tom in that iconic red chair, Saturday night was both a celebration and a goodbye.