The Voice 2020: Who are the celebrity coaches?

The big news for The Voice UK 2020 is that Jennifer Hudson will not be returning to the red chair for the first time since the contest moved to ITV.

J-Hud has completed three seasons as a coach on The Voice UK, but now she’s decided to pass the baton to another star - and not just anyone but Grammy-winning recording artist, Meghan Trainor.

We take a look at the celebrity coaching line-up for the 2020 series contestants.

Meghan Trainor - NEW for 2020

J-Hud has officially vacated her chair after three successful seasons on the show with the very good reason that she needs to prepare for the hotly-anticipated film adaptation of musical Cats.

The woman taking her place has been announced as US star Meghan Trainor, who had a huge hit in 2014 with her debut single All About That Bass.

Her other tracks have included Lips Are Movin’, No Excuses, Let You Be Right, and the Sigala / Ella Eyre collaboration Just Got Paid.

Meghan said: “I am so excited and honoured to join Sir Tom, Will.i.am and Olly Murs as the new coach on The Voice UK! 

“It’s a dream come true and I can’t wait to sit in the chair with my own button and listen to some incredible new talent!”

Will.i.am

As the longest serving judge on the panel, Will.i.am has completed every season of The Voice UK and his quirky methods are now a staple of the show.

The Black Eyed Peas star and music producer is always a popular choice with contestants, and he offers a different view of the music industry to the singers on the panel.

Although he’s heading into his ninth season, Will has been unlucky with the show’s results as he’s only ever coached the winning contestant once – Jermain Jackman in series three.

He said: “UK soloists, duos and trios - I am looking for you! 

“This season I am seeking fresh sounds and unique voices that I want to work with and will compel me to push that button!”

Sir Tom Jones

Hot on the heels of Will as the show’s most regular coach is music legend Sir Tom Jones, who has had just one season off in the programme’s entire run.

It’s become a running joke on the show that there is no superstar Sir Tom doesn’t have a personal anecdote about, but his connections to pretty much everyone in the music industry mean that he’s always a tempting choice for contestants.

No one has anything close to Sir Tom’s experience in the business and his huge vocal talents have helped him mentor two past winners to victory, more than any other coach who’s served on the show.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to returning to The Voice, I just love doing this show.

“I’ve had a fantastic summer touring and performing songs I enjoy and have a passion for, so now it's time to discover some talented new singers to see what they can do!” 

Olly Murs

Meghan’s arrival means that Olly Murs is no longer the new kid on the panel, as he heads into his third Voice UK.

Olly’s USP as a coach is that he knows exactly what the contestants are going through, because his career started from reality show stardom on The X Factor.

The Troublemaker singer coached last season’s winner, Molly Hocking, so he’ll be keen to build on his success and make it a double victory for 2020.

Olly, who’s recently had knee surgery, said: “I’m so excited to come back to The Voice this year with a new energy and even a new knee - ready to defend my title as the winning coach.

“It’s fantastic to introduce a new coach to the team as well and I look forward to getting to know Meghan.”

The Voice UK will return to ITV in 2020.