‘I DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE’: SIR TOM JONES DROPPED FROM THE VOICE UK AFTER 13 SEASONS — AND ITV HAS NOW REVEALED HIS REPLACEMENTS

The 86-year-old music legend says he never wanted to walk away from the famous red chair as ITV prepares a major shake-up for Series 15

Sir Tom Jones has officially left The Voice UK after 13 seasons — but the legendary singer has made it clear that walking away was not his choice.

The 86-year-old Welsh star revealed earlier this week that ITV had decided to remove him as a full-time coach, despite his long-running relationship with the singing competition and his own desire to remain part of the show.

Jones said he was told the decision had already been made and that ITV cited “financial difficulty with insurance” as the reason.

He also claimed the network offered him a much smaller role, involving an appearance without being involved throughout the competition.

For Jones, that was not what he wanted.

“I did not want to leave the Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” he said.

ITV CALLS IT A ‘REFRESH’

While Jones described the decision as being fired, ITV has framed the change as part of a new direction for the programme.

The broadcaster has now officially announced the coaching line-up for Series 15, confirming that Jones will not return as a full-time coach.

Taking their places in the famous red chairs will be Cheryl and rapper Aitch, alongside returning coach Kelly Rowland and longtime Voice UK coach will.i.am.

ITV said it wanted to thank Jones for his years on the programme and for the “countless incredible and unforgettable moments” he brought to the show.

Series 15 is scheduled to air in 2027.

A 13-SEASON RUN COMES TO AN END

Jones first joined The Voice UK when the programme launched in 2012.

Although he did not appear in every season, he ultimately became one of the show’s most recognizable and enduring coaches, returning for 13 seasons.

Over the years, viewers watched him turn his famous red chair for countless aspiring singers, offer blunt but often warm advice and compete against some of the biggest names in music.

His longevity made him closely associated with the identity of the programme itself.

That is why his departure has come as such a shock to fans.

And according to Jones, it was not because he felt it was time to retire from the show.

‘I’M STILL PRETTY GOOD AT MY JOB’

In his comments about the decision, Jones made his frustration unmistakable.

He said he loved The Voice and believed he still had plenty to offer despite being 86.

He also questioned the decision to remove him while suggesting that age should not determine whether he can continue doing the job.

Jones said there was “never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”

The singer also said he was disappointed by the offer of a reduced role because it would mean appearing on the programme without being involved from the beginning.

THE VOICE UK ENTERS A NEW ERA

The changes do not stop with Jones.

ITV has confirmed that Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will become the new hosts for Series 15.

Cheryl and Aitch will make their coaching debuts, while Kelly Rowland returns for a second series and will.i.am remains the show’s longest-standing coach.

ITV also thanked former coaches Emma Willis, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones for their contributions.

The new line-up represents one of the biggest changes to the programme in years.

But for many longtime viewers, one absence will stand out above all the others.

The red chair once occupied by Sir Tom Jones will soon belong to someone else.

‘THE SHOW WILL NEVER BE THE SAME’

Jones’ departure closes a remarkable chapter for The Voice UK.

He became more than just another coach. For many viewers, his presence was part of what made the programme feel like The Voice UK.

Now, ITV is betting on a new generation of coaches to take the show forward.

Whether audiences will embrace the new line-up remains to be seen.

But one thing is already clear:

Sir Tom Jones did not choose to walk away.

After 13 seasons, the legendary coach is leaving the red chair behind — and The Voice UK is entering a completely new era.