The Voice UK coaches left ‘in tears’ after witnessing emotional proposal

The Voice UK coaches have been left in tears after a contestant proposed to his partner on stage.

On the latest episode of the ITV reality singing series, Tony Henry from Inverness was one of the hopefuls hoping to turn the chairs of judges Sir Tom Jones, Will.i.am, LeAnn Rimes, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

The 63-year-old, who started a gospel choir after moving from London to the Scottish Highlands, performed a rendition of Nella fantasia by Ennio Morricone.

Despite his impressive vocals, Tony was unable to get any of the coaches to turn.

However, there was a surprise in store when after his performance he began to speak and the judges chairs turned to face him, leaving them confused as they usually wouldn’t get to chat with contestants not chosen for a team.

Accompanying him to the audition was his partner Rebecca, whom Tony had earlier explained he’d met through his choir.

‘Good evening ladies and gentleman. Obviously, I didn’t get a turn, but that’s not the end of the world,’ he began.

‘I didn’t get a yes now, but there is a yes I’m hoping I can share with you all. My partner who has been an inspiration for me and has kept me singing at moments where I thought I would give up…I’d like to invite Rebecca to the stage.’

Realising what might be happening, Rebecca walked out onto the stage, with the studio audience erupting and clapping for her.

After getting down on one knee and presenting her with a ring in a box, Tony asked: ‘Will you marry me?’

As she said yes, the coaches and crowd jumped to their feet, with Tom wiping away tears as he exclaimed: ‘What just happened. I’m a mess.’

Being asked to share details about himself with the coaches, Tony explained: ‘I may not have got a turn but the memory being in this room with you all is something I will never forget so thank you for that.’

Jumping in, Tom added: ‘That was unbelievable. You didn’t need a yes from any of us. You got the best yes of all time.’

Meanwhile LeAnn called the unexpected moment ‘amazing’.

Watching the moment from home, viewers shared their thoughts on what unfolded too.

‘That proposal was absolutely lovely,’ Adrian posted on X.

‘That was so sweet! 🥺 Congratulations to them! ❤️🍾🥂,’ Jo commented.

‘Aww 🥰 Love is in the air ❤️So sweet,’ Jayne added.

The proposal was a show first, with the series teasing the moment a day earlier on social media with a video explaining: ‘This has NEVER happened before on The Voice. This Saturday we have a first on The Voice! What do you think it could be!?! Tune in tomorrow at 8.30pm on ITV1 ITVX and STV to find out 🧐 #TheVoiceUK.’

Many speculated the moment captured would show someone getting down on one knee.

‘A proposal?’ epanayiotou1 commented.

My guess is also a proposal, because they’re all happy and teary eyed!’ brummie_gurl_jo shared.

Another simply posted an emoji of a diamond ring.

This season of the reality singing show will also feature another first, with Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.am to also be joined by an AI co-host named Fyilicia.

Each season the coaches turn to a celebrity guest to help mentor their contestants during the show, however Will is set to turn to the technology.

Speaking at the 2024 EDTV Festival last month, he explained: ‘How many people understand the business of music? I felt that way too. That’s why we get attorneys and managers to help us navigate contracts, business terms, and finance. That’s all going to change and my mentor, Fyilicia, is the representation of that advancement.

‘It’s an AI I converse with Felicia pretty much every day. “Hey, help me out with this lyric. Hey, I got this contract. Help me, like, figure it out.” And that’s the power of this new technology.’