SIR TOM JONES SAYS HE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE THE VOICE UK AFTER 13 SEASONS
SIR TOM JONES SAYS HE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE THE VOICE UK AFTER 13 SEASONS
Sir Tom Jones has spoken out after learning that he will no longer return as a full-time coach on The Voice UK, saying he did not want to leave the popular singing competition.
The 86-year-old Welsh music legend has been an on-and-off coach on the show since its debut in 2012 and has become one of its most recognizable figures.
Jones addressed his departure publicly after ITV announced a major overhaul of the coaching panel for the show’s 15th series, which is scheduled to air in 2027.
“I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE”
In a statement shared on social media, Jones said he wanted to make clear that leaving The Voice UK was not his choice.
He said ITV had made the decision and that he had only been informed recently.
Jones also said he was given an explanation involving financial difficulties related to insurance. ITV has separately described the change as part of a decision to refresh the show with a new coaching lineup.
The singer said ITV had offered him a reduced role that would involve making an appearance without being involved from the beginning of the competition.
He said he was not pleased with that proposal.
ITV UNVEILS A NEW VOICE UK LINEUP
ITV has confirmed that Aitch and Cheryl will join the coaching panel for Series 15, alongside returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.
The network has also announced Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon as the new hosts, replacing Emma Willis.
ITV thanked Jones for his years on the program, describing him as an “irreplaceable” part of The Voice UK and praising the memorable moments he brought to the show.
The current Series 14 continues in 2026, while Series 15 is scheduled to broadcast in 2027.
JONES MAY STILL APPEAR
Although Jones will not be a full-time coach in the new series, the door may not be completely closed.
A spokesperson for The Voice UK said the program had loved working with Jones and confirmed that discussions with him and his team were continuing about his possible involvement in the next series.
Jones first appeared as a coach when The Voice UK launched in 2012 and later returned after leaving the BBC version of the program.
During his time on the show, he coached several successful contestants, including Leanne Mitchell, who won the inaugural series, as well as Ruti Olajugbagbe and Anthonia Edwards in later seasons.
His departure from the full-time coaching panel therefore marks a significant change for a program with which he has been associated for more than a decade.
For now, the 2027 edition of The Voice UK is set to move forward with a new lineup — while fans continue to wait to see whether Sir Tom Jones will make a special return to the show he says he never wanted to leave.
