SIR TOM JONES SPEAKS OUT AFTER LEAVING THE VOICE UK: ‘I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE’

Sir Tom Jones has broken his silence after being dropped from The Voice UK, saying he did not want to leave the show and revealing the reason ITV gave for ending his long-running role as a coach.

Sir Tom Jones has spoken publicly about his departure from The Voice UK, revealing that he was not ready to walk away from the programme he has been part of for more than a decade.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend said the decision was made by ITV and that he was informed only recently.

In a statement shared with fans, Jones made clear that leaving the show was not his choice.

“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” he said.

His comments came shortly after reports suggested that ITV was planning a major shake-up of the programme ahead of its 2027 series.

TOM JONES SAYS ITV MADE THE DECISION

Jones explained that ITV had given him a reason for the decision, saying it involved “financial difficulty with insurance.”

He also indicated that he had been offered a reduced role rather than continuing as a full-time coach.

That proposal would have meant a much smaller presence on the programme, rather than having his own coaching team and chair.

For Jones, however, the arrangement was not what he wanted.

The singer has been associated with The Voice UK since its launch in 2012, apart from one season, and has become one of the show’s most recognisable coaches.

ITV ANNOUNCES A MAJOR NEW LINE-UP

Days after Jones spoke out, ITV formally announced the line-up for Series 15, confirming that the programme will undergo a substantial refresh.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will become the new hosts.

The coaching panel will feature Aitch and Cheryl, alongside returning coach Kelly Rowland and long-standing coach will.i.am.

The new series is scheduled to air in 2027.

In its announcement, ITV thanked Sir Tom Jones for his years on the programme and described him as “irreplaceable.”

The broadcaster praised the moments he had given to the show and to the singers who appeared on it.

ITV also confirmed that McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones will not return as coaches for the new series.

TOM JONES HAS BEEN PART OF THE SHOW SINCE 2012

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

He later continued with the programme after it moved to ITV and became one of its longest-serving coaches.

During his time on the show, he worked alongside a succession of major artists, including will.i.am, Jessie J, Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Olly Murs and Kelly Rowland.

He also coached three winners of the programme: Leanne Mitchell, Ruti Olajugbagbe and Anthonia Edwards.

The current 2026 series is still airing, meaning viewers will continue to see Jones in the coaching chair during the present season.

ITV’s official schedule shows the latest episodes continuing through September, with Jones appearing alongside Kelly Rowland, will.i.am, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

FANS REACT TO HIS DEPARTURE

News of Jones’ exit has prompted a strong reaction among fans of the programme.

A petition calling for ITV to reinstate the singer had reportedly gathered tens of thousands of signatures by mid-September.

Many supporters said they were disappointed that Jones would not return as a full-time coach, while others questioned ITV’s decision to refresh the panel.

Those reactions reflect the long association between Jones and the programme, but they do not change ITV’s confirmed plans for Series 15.

COULD TOM JONES RETURN IN ANOTHER ROLE?

There had initially been reports that ITV was discussing ways of keeping Jones connected to The Voice UK in some capacity.

Before ITV formally announced the new line-up, an ITV source told the Press Association that the broadcaster loved working with Jones and remained in discussions with him.

However, ITV’s subsequent announcement specifically thanked Jones for his contribution and confirmed the new four-coach line-up for Series 15.

It therefore remains unclear whether he will make any future guest appearance on the programme.

For now, his final full-time season is continuing on screen.

‘I LOVE THE SHOW’

Jones’ departure marks the end of a significant chapter for The Voice UK.

For more than a decade, audiences have watched him turn his chair for aspiring singers, coach contestants and perform alongside some of the biggest names in music.

Yet Jones’ own explanation makes clear that he did not regard his departure as a voluntary retirement from the programme.

He said he loved the show, appreciated its audience and did not want to leave.

The programme will now move into a new era in 2027, with Cheryl and Aitch joining Kelly Rowland and will.i.am in the famous red chairs.

For Tom Jones, meanwhile, the remaining episodes of the 2026 series provide viewers with the latest chapter of a relationship with The Voice UK that began back in 2012.

Whether audiences will see him return in another capacity remains uncertain.

But one thing is clear from Jones himself: he did not choose to walk away.