ITV FINALLY BREAKS ITS SILENCE OVER SIR TOM JONES AXE FROM THE VOICE — AND THE NEW RED-CHAIR LINE-UP HAS BEEN REVEALED

ITV has publicly addressed Sir Tom Jones’ departure from The Voice UK, praising the 86-year-old music legend just days after he said he never wanted to leave — as Cheryl and Aitch join the revamped coaching panel for Series 15.

“WE HAVE LOVED WORKING WITH SIR TOM”

The Voice UK is entering a completely new era.

After days of controversy surrounding the decision to remove Sir Tom Jones from the coaching panel, ITV has now officially unveiled the line-up that will take over for Series 15.

The broadcaster described Jones as an “incredible” part of the programme and thanked him for the “countless incredible and unforgettable moments” he brought to the show.

But ITV also confirmed that the Welsh music icon will no longer be a full-time coach when the programme returns in 2027.

The announcement comes just days after Jones publicly insisted that leaving was not his choice.

TOM JONES SAYS HE DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE

Jones, 86, revealed that he had only recently been informed that ITV would not be bringing him back as a full-time coach.

The singer said he “did not want to leave” because he loved the show and appreciated its audience.

According to Jones, the initial reason given to him was a “financial difficulty with insurance.” ITV subsequently described the change as part of an effort to “refresh” the programme with a new coaching line-up.

Jones also said he was offered a much-reduced role, in which he would make appearances rather than participate as a full-time coach.

He made clear that he was not happy with the proposal.

NOW THE NEW LINE-UP IS OFFICIAL

ITV has now confirmed that Cheryl and Aitch will take two of the famous red chairs.

Cheryl, the former Girls Aloud star and longtime X Factor judge, is returning to primetime television as a coach.

Manchester rapper Aitch will also make his debut on the show.

They will join returning coaches will.i.am and Kelly Rowland, creating one of the biggest changes to the coaching panel in the programme’s history.

The changes do not stop there.

ALESHA DIXON AND STACEY SOLOMON TAKE OVER

The Voice UK is also getting a new presenting team.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over hosting duties for Series 15, replacing longtime presenter Emma Willis.

That means viewers will see a dramatically different version of the programme when it returns in 2027.

The only remaining coach from the show’s original era will be will.i.am.

ITV LEAVES THE DOOR OPEN FOR TOM

Despite the dramatic change, ITV has not completely ruled out seeing Tom Jones back on the programme.

The broadcaster has said that although Jones will no longer be a full-time coach, discussions with him and his team about possible involvement in the next series are continuing.

That could potentially leave the door open for the legendary singer to make a special appearance.

For now, however, his famous red chair belongs to someone else.

A NEW ERA — BUT A LOT OF QUESTIONS REMAIN

The overhaul comes as The Voice UK attempts to refresh itself for its 15th series.

But the timing has created an unusual situation.

ITV is celebrating Jones’ contribution and calling attention to the unforgettable moments he gave the programme, while Jones himself has made clear that he did not choose to walk away.

Meanwhile, fans have already reacted strongly to his departure, with calls for the broadcaster to reconsider the decision. Will.i.am has also publicly supported a petition calling for Jones to return.

The new season may therefore begin with a completely different panel — but Sir Tom Jones’ shadow is likely to remain over the famous red chairs.

And when The Voice UK returns in 2027, viewers will finally see whether ITV’s dramatic “refresh” can live up to the legacy left behind by one of the show’s most recognizable coaches.