SIR TOM JONES SAYS HE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE THE VOICE UK AFTER 13 SEASONS

LONDON, UK — Sir Tom Jones is set to leave The Voice UK after 13 seasons, but the legendary Welsh singer says walking away from the ITV singing competition was not his decision.

The 86-year-old star revealed that he was recently told he would not be returning as a coach for the show’s next series, bringing an end to one of the longest-running partnerships in the programme’s history.

Jones, who has been part of The Voice UK since its launch in 2012, said he “did not want to leave” and was disappointed by the decision.

Reports about his departure initially suggested he had simply stepped away from the programme. Jones subsequently made clear that ITV had decided to change his role and that he had not chosen to leave.

‘I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE’

Speaking about the decision, Jones said he had been informed about his future with the programme rather than making the decision himself.

He also claimed that financial considerations, including issues surrounding insurance, played a role in the decision.

According to reports, Jones had been offered a significantly reduced role for the next series, but he was unhappy with the proposed arrangement.

His comments came as ITV prepared to introduce a substantially different coaching panel for the show’s 15th series.

ITV THANKS ‘IRREPLACEABLE’ TOM JONES

ITV confirmed that Jones would not return, while paying tribute to his contribution to the programme.

The broadcaster described him as “irreplaceable” and thanked him for the years of memorable moments he had brought to The Voice UK and its contestants.

Jones first joined the show when it launched in Britain in 2012 and became a familiar presence in the famous red chair.

Over the years, viewers watched him mentor singers, turn his chair during blind auditions and compete alongside a changing line-up of fellow coaches.

MAJOR SHAKE-UP FOR THE VOICE UK

ITV has confirmed a completely new coaching line-up for Series 15, which is scheduled to air in 2027.

Jones will be replaced by Cheryl and rapper Aitch, who will join returning international star Kelly Rowland and long-standing coach will.i.am.

The show will also have new presenters, with Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon taking over hosting duties.

ITV said the changes represent a new chapter for the programme and thanked departing coaches Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, alongside Jones, for their contributions.

A 13-YEAR RUN COMES TO AN END

For Jones, the departure marks the end of more than a decade associated with one of Britain’s best-known television singing competitions.

The singer has previously spoken positively about his time on the show, including his enjoyment of discovering new vocal talent and working with fellow coaches.

In an earlier ITV interview, Jones said he loved doing The Voice UK and looked forward to returning each year.

That makes his latest comments particularly significant: while the programme is moving forward with a new line-up, Jones has made clear that leaving after 13 seasons was not what he wanted.

The current series continues on ITV and ITVX, with the new coaching panel scheduled to take over when Series 15 arrives in 2027.

For fans who have watched Jones occupy the famous red chair for more than a decade, his departure represents one of the biggest changes yet to The Voice UK.