Tom Read Wilson’s The Voice Journey: From Unsuccessful Audition to Television Stardom

Introduction: A Voice That Captivated Britain

Tom Read Wilson’s distinctive eloquent speaking voice has become one of British television’s most recognizable features, but his journey to fame began with an unsuccessful singing audition. In February 2016, Read Wilson auditioned for the fifth series of The Voice UK, performing a theatrical rendition that would set the stage for an unexpected career trajectory. As the beloved Celebs Go Dating star now captivates audiences on I’m A Celebrity 2025, his Voice UK appearance serves as a fascinating origin story for one of television’s most unique personalities.

The Unforgettable Voice UK Audition

Read Wilson sang “Accentuate The Positive” in the sixth blind auditions episode; however, he failed to receive a turn from the coaches. He auditioned with a performance of Johnny Mercer’s Accentuate the Positive. Unfortunately for Tom, none of the judges – Will.i.am, Boy George, Paloma Faith or Ricky Wilson – turned around for him. Despite the rejection, his incredible rendition of Accentuate the Positive got a standing ovation from the crowd.

A Memorable First Impression

Will.I.Am later said Tom had “tricked” them, joking, “I thought you were, like, 85”, because of Tom’s very 1950s cabaret host energy. The judges were charmed by his unique presence, with Paloma admitted she “hates musical theatre, but I find you really endearing”.

From Voice Rejection to Television Success

The Voice UK audition proved to be a blessing in disguise. In August 2016, Read Wilson joined the E4 dating reality series Celebs Go Dating as the receptionist, just months after his Voice appearance. His positive attitude to life means he doesn’t regret his time on the show one bit, in fact he credits it for kickstarting his TV career.

Building a Television Career

Later that year, he made his debut on Celebs Go Dating, where he would become a fan favourite. In 2018, he was promoted to junior client coordinator for the show’s fourth series. He was promoted again to senior client coordinator during the eleventh series in 2022. Beyond this role, in 2020, he appeared on Celebrity Mastermind, winning the show thanks to his expert knowledge of My Fair Lady.

Conclusion: The Voice That Launched a Career

Tom Read Wilson’s 2016 Voice UK audition may not have turned any chairs, but it positioned him perfectly for television stardom. His theatrical training from the Royal Academy of Music, combined with his distinctive speaking voice and charm, proved far more valuable in the world of reality television than traditional singing competitions. As he continues to entertain audiences on I’m A Celebrity 2025, his Voice UK appearance remains a testament to how rejection can redirect talented individuals toward their true calling. For aspiring entertainers, Tom’s journey demonstrates that success often comes from unexpected places, and that authenticity—whether in an unsuccessful audition or a successful television career—resonates most powerfully with audiences.