The Voice UK Begins Battle Rounds With Celebrity Mentors

The Voice UK has entered its 2026 battle rounds, bringing in established singers to help its coaches decide which contestants should advance. On Saturday, October 10, ITV's singing competition featured Paloma Faith advising Sir Tom Jones, Cheryl assisting will.i.am and Delta Goodrem supporting Kelly Rowland as the remaining contestants competed for places in the next stage.

The episode followed the conclusion of the blind auditions on October 3, when five coaches completed their teams of eight acts each. According to reports from AOL UK and WalesOnline, the mentors will help the coaches evaluate their performers, although not everyone will progress.

Faith returns to the program after serving as a coach in 2016. The singer, known for the hit song The Only Love Can Hurt Like This, will work with Jones to assess his contestants during the battles.

Reports cited by WalesOnline said Faith previously left the show while undergoing her first course of IVF treatment, a period she experienced as emotionally challenging. She announced her first pregnancy shortly after that series ended. The singer also previously discussed the online criticism and negative public reaction she encountered during her time on the coaching panel.

Cheryl, the Girls Aloud singer, will assist longtime collaborator will.i.am during the battle rounds before taking on a full coaching role next year. Her appointment was confirmed earlier in 2026, and she is expected to join will.i.am and Kelly Rowland on the panel alongside rapper Aitch, replacing Jones, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

The upcoming coaching role marks Cheryl's return to prime-time television after a six-year absence. AOL UK reported that she spent months in negotiations before deciding she was ready to return to the spotlight. Her new television project also follows the death of her former partner Liam Payne, the father of her son.

Rowland will receive guidance from Delta Goodrem, who has served as a coach on The Voice Australia for eight seasons. Goodrem is also competing on Strictly Come Dancing, according to the reports.

Meanwhile, Danny Jones and Fletcher will receive assistance from their McFly bandmates Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd. The pair of coaches are seeking a second consecutive victory after their team's success with AVA in 2024.

The completed teams feature eight acts each. Team will.i.am includes Diogo Ferreira, Sonna Rele, BMG, Triple Threat, Teodora Sava, Naná Aldrin-Quaye, Ardú and Bella Popera.

Team Kelly comprises Monique Nicholson-Porter, Ray Gelato, Lascel Wood, Aaren James, Cris Quammie, Samantha Udeke, Turah Sadiq and Jessica Beth.

Sir Tom Jones's team consists of Cate McHugh, Vadé Amãlia Estradas, Harry Linacre, Eric and Jensen, Dakari Love, Molly J and Robbie McMinn.

Team Tom and Danny includes Ellie Harney, Ross McGuire, Ciiara Nyx, Finlay McKillop, Jack Algar, Frank Raven, Regan Preece and Adam Tucker. The coaches and their guest mentors will work with these contestants during the battle rounds to determine who continues in the competition.