Host Emma Willis returned to screens on Saturday night to present the final of The Voice UK
Emma Willis hosted the final of The Voice UK(Image: ITV)
Viewers of The Voice UK issued complaints just minutes into the 2026 final.
During last weekend’s semi-final, coaches Kelly Rowland, will.i.am, Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher, and Sir Tom Jones had to select just one performer from their team to advance to the grand final. Each judge had to choose from their three remaining contestants.
Kelly chose to advance Monique Nicholson-Porter, while Tom and Danny and will.i.am chose Frank Raven and Naná Aldrin-Quaye, respectively. Cate McHugh rounds out the line-up, after being chosen by Sir Tom.
The final four singers prepared to battle it out on Saturday night (October 31), in a bid to become the winner of The Voice UK 2026. But as Emma Willis introduced the final, it didn’t take long for ITV viewers to issue complaints over the episode not being live.
Due to the entire series being pre-recorded, fans watching at home couldn’t vote by phone, app or text to choose the winner, which has sparked criticism. The champion is instead determined by the studio audience present during the filming of the final.
“Love The Voice but I still say the public should be involved. No live shows, studio audience only. It’s not a patch on the show it used to be. I think the artists have been let down by the format,” one viewer fumed on X.
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Another added: “What is the point of The Voice nowadays may I ask. They’ve not even had a live final for five years and there’s no public interaction whatsoever. May as well not bother televising it.” A third said: “Did #TheVoiceUK used to have a live final? What’s the actual point if we don’t vote because the audience haven’t followed their journey? Bit weird isn’t it.” Meanwhile, someone else complained: “It’s not in sync!!!!”
Many other viewers were delighted to watch the final, despite it not being live. Someone praised the coaches’ opening performance, writing: “I don’t usually watch #thevoice but that opening number was brilliant!” Another added: “Brilliant opening number by the judges.”
At the start of the episode, Emma said: “By the end of the evening, one of our finalists will be crowned champion. And as well as signing a record deal with Universal Music Group, they’ll also win an out of this world holiday with Universal Orlando resort, and £50,000 in cash. Wouldn’t go amiss, would it?
“It’s a prize definitely fit for a champion and it’s down to our wonderful studio audience to decide who receives it. No pressure at all!”
The Voice UK final will mark the final appearances of host Emma and coaches Sir Tom Jones, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, following the announcement that the four stars won’t be back next year. Emma has recently begun hosting Strictly Come Dancing alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe. She will be replaced by Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon next year, as they take the reins for series 15.
Meanwhile, the famous red chairs will see the arrival of two musical forces making their debut as coaches. Platinum-selling rap artist Aitch and global pop icon Cheryl will begin their hunt for the nation’s next vocal powerhouse during the upcoming series.
The Voice UK is available to stream on ITVX