HE DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE — SIR TOM JONES DROPPED FROM THE VOICE UK AFTER 13 SEASONS AS ITV SHAKE-UP LEAVES FANS STUNNED

The 86-year-old music legend says leaving was never his choice — while ITV describes the move as part of a major “refresh” for the hit singing competition.

Sir Tom Jones is leaving The Voice UK after 13 seasons in the famous red chair — but the legendary singer has made it clear that walking away was never what he wanted.

The 86-year-old star revealed that ITV had decided to remove him from the full-time coaching panel ahead of the show’s 15th series, saying he was only informed of the decision recently.

His departure has since triggered an emotional reaction from fans and fellow stars, with many questioning why one of the show’s most recognisable coaches is being replaced after such a long run.

“I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE”

Tom Jones addressed his departure publicly, explaining that ITV had made the decision rather than him choosing to step away.

According to Jones, ITV initially cited a “financial difficulty with insurance” as the reason for the decision.

He also said that while ITV had since described the changes as a “refresh” of the programme, he had not been consulted in the way he expected.

Jones was reportedly offered a much smaller role on the programme, but he made clear that he was unhappy with the idea of appearing without being involved as a full-time coach.

The singer has been a central figure on the UK version of the franchise since its launch in 2012, although he missed one season.

ITV IS CALLING IT A “REFRESH”

ITV has presented the situation differently.

In its official announcement for Series 15, the broadcaster unveiled a completely revamped coaching and presenting lineup.

Cheryl and Aitch will make their coaching debuts, joining returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

Meanwhile, Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over as hosts.

ITV thanked Tom Jones for his years on the programme and the “countless incredible and unforgettable moments” he gave audiences and contestants.

Series 15 is scheduled to air in 2027.

WILL.I.AM’S EMOTIONAL REACTION

Tom’s exit has reportedly been particularly difficult for his longtime fellow coach will.i.am.

According to reports, the Black Eyed Peas star has been unhappy with the way Jones’ departure was handled.

The Sun reported that will.i.am was angry about the decision and later became visibly emotional while filming the new series. He has also publicly shown support for efforts calling for Tom to return.

The emotional reaction is notable because will.i.am and Jones have shared the coaching panel for years, making their relationship one of the longest-running partnerships on the programme.

CHERYL ENTERS A VERY DIFFERENT SHOW

Cheryl’s arrival has now become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the new series.

The former Girls Aloud star will take one of the newly available red chairs as part of ITV’s overhaul.

But the decision to remove Tom was made by ITV — not Cheryl.

As a result, the singer is entering the programme at a moment when some fans are still processing the loss of one of its most familiar faces.

For Cheryl, the challenge will be to establish her own identity on the show while stepping into a panel that has already generated controversy before the new series has even aired.

A 13-YEAR ERA COMES TO AN END

For more than a decade, Tom Jones became synonymous with The Voice UK.

He coached hundreds of aspiring singers, celebrated victories and setbacks, and became one of the show’s defining personalities.

Now, that era is coming to an end.

ITV insists the programme is entering a fresh chapter, with new coaches and new hosts preparing for Series 15.

But Tom’s own words tell a different part of the story: he says he didn’t want to leave.

And that may be the detail that stays with fans as the famous red chairs turn toward a completely new era.

The Voice UK is moving forward — but for many viewers, it will never quite look the same without Sir Tom Jones.