“I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE” — SIR TOM JONES DROPPED FROM THE VOICE UK AFTER YEARS ON THE SHOW AS ITV UNVEILS SHOCK NEW LINE-UP

Sir Tom Jones has spoken out after being left off the coaching line-up for the next series of The Voice UK, saying he did not want to leave the programme and that the decision was made by ITV.

The 86-year-old music legend has been an on-and-off coach since the show launched in 2012 and has become one of its most recognisable faces.

Now, ITV has announced a major shake-up for Series 15, with Jones no longer listed as a full-time coach. (rte.ie)

“I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE THE VOICE”

Jones addressed his departure in a statement shared on Instagram.

He said he “did not want to leave The Voice”, adding that he loved the programme and appreciated its audience.

According to Jones, ITV had made the decision some time earlier and only recently informed him.

He said the reason given to him related to financial difficulties involving insurance.

Jones also said ITV had subsequently described the change publicly as an effort to “refresh” the programme with a new coaching line-up.

He said he had been offered a reduced role that would involve appearing on the show without being involved as a full-time coach from the beginning.

ITV ANNOUNCES A COMPLETELY NEW COACHING LINE-UP

ITV officially announced its Series 15 line-up on September 11.

The new coaching panel will feature Aitch and Cheryl, who are both joining the programme for the first time, alongside returning coach Kelly Rowland and long-standing coach will.i.am.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over as hosts.

ITV said Series 15 will air in 2027.

The broadcaster thanked Sir Tom for his years on the programme, describing him as an irreplaceable part of The Voice UK and praising the memorable moments he had given audiences and contestants.

ITV SAYS TALKS WITH TOM ARE STILL ONGOING

While Jones has described the situation as ITV deciding to “fire” him, the broadcaster has presented the change somewhat differently.

A show spokesperson said ITV had loved working with Sir Tom and confirmed that he would no longer be a full-time coach for Series 15.

However, the spokesperson added that ITV was still in discussions with Jones and his team about his potential involvement in the upcoming series.

That means his departure from the regular coaching panel does not necessarily mean viewers will never see him on the programme again.

A LONG HISTORY WITH THE RED CHAIR

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

Although he has not appeared in every series, his return over the years has made him one of the show’s longest-serving and most recognisable coaches.

As recently as 2025, ITV had officially announced that Jones would return alongside will.i.am, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, with Kelly Rowland joining the panel. ITV’s announcement at the time described Jones as a returning “legend” of the show.

His departure therefore represents a significant change for a programme that has featured him across much of its history.

FANS FACE A NEW ERA

The new line-up marks one of the biggest changes to the coaching panel in recent years.

Aitch and Cheryl will bring new faces to the famous red chairs, while Kelly Rowland returns for another series and will.i.am remains.

For longtime viewers, however, the biggest change will be seeing the chair traditionally associated with Sir Tom occupied by someone else.

ITV has framed the move as part of a new chapter for the programme.

Jones, meanwhile, has made clear that leaving was not his choice.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Series 15 of The Voice UK is scheduled to air in 2027.

For now, Jones is no longer part of the announced full-time coaching panel, but ITV has left the door open for some form of involvement.

The exact nature of that role — if an agreement is reached — has yet to be announced.

After years in the famous red chair, Sir Tom Jones’ future on The Voice UK remains uncertain, leaving viewers waiting to see whether the legendary singer will return to the stage in a different role.