Cate McHugh wins The Voice UK in Sir Tom Jones' final series as ITV ends his tenure

Cate McHugh has been crowned the winner of The Voice UK 2026, delivering a victory that is equal parts triumph and heartbreak for fans. The Welsh singer, mentored by Sir Tom Jones, took the title on Saturday night, October 31, according to the Daily Star ^[2]. Her win marked the end of an era, as it served as the final series for the 86-year-old music legend before his departure from the show.

The finale saw McHugh, representing Team Tom, battle against Monique Nicholson-Porter (Team Kelly), Naná Aldrin-Quaye (Team will.i.am), and Frank Raven (Team McFly). After solo performances and duets with their coaches, the studio audience selected McHugh as the champion, as reported by the Express ^[2]. Speaking after her win, an emotional McHugh said: "Thank you, I did it."

While the victory was celebrated, the mood was described as "bittersweet" by viewers, according to the Mirror ^[1]. Many took to social media to question ITV's decision to end Sir Tom's 13-year tenure as a coach. One viewer wrote: "Anyone else get emotional every time they even see Tom, knowing this is his last series?" Another lamented, "See, this is so wrong that Tom Jones is leaving."

Sir Tom has been clear that his exit was not his choice. In an Instagram statement last month, he revealed: "To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. ITV made this decision - obviously a while ago, and I was just told recently," the Mirror reported ^[1]. He is one of the show's original coaches, alongside will.i.am.

The show is now set for significant changes. New presenters Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon are stepping in, while Aitch and Cheryl will join the coaching panel alongside Kelly Rowland and will.i.am, according to the Mirror ^[1]. This reshuffle comes as the programme moves away from the format that defined its early years.

McHugh's prize includes a recording contract with Universal Music Group, £50,000 in cash, and a luxury holiday, as confirmed by the Daily Star ^[2]. The finale also featured a dazzling opening number by the coaches, transforming the studio into a Studio 54-style disco extravaganza, and a performance by Ella Eyre.

Away from the studio, Sir Tom has recently dealt with health issues. He postponed several tour dates in late October after being hit by a "bad case of the flu," according to the Mirror ^[1]. His remaining tour dates have been rescheduled, leaving fans to wonder what the future holds for the Welsh icon beyond the small screen. For now, The Voice UK is available to stream on ITVX, where the drama of his exit continues to unfold.