“IT DOESN’T GO UNNOTICED” — SIR TOM JONES RESPONDS AS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FANS DEMAND HIS RETURN TO THE VOICE UK

MANCHESTER, UK — Sir Tom Jones has responded to the huge wave of support from fans following his departure from The Voice UK, after a petition calling for the legendary singer to be reinstated passed tens of thousands of signatures.

The 86-year-old Welsh music star addressed the reaction directly on social media, thanking supporters who had sent messages and signed petitions calling for him to return to the ITV singing competition.

His response came as the programme prepares for a major overhaul ahead of its 15th series in 2027.

FANS RALLY AROUND SIR TOM JONES

Following the announcement that Sir Tom would no longer return as a full-time coach, fans quickly launched an online campaign calling for ITV to reconsider.

The Change.org petition was started by Aaron Howlett on September 8 and argued that removing Jones would deprive aspiring singers of the opportunity to be mentored by a performer with decades of experience.

The campaign gathered momentum rapidly.

The petition had passed 59,000 signatures by September 21, according to reports at the time. It has since continued to grow, with Change.org showing more than 62,000 verified signatures when checked on September 23.

The petition describes Jones as an important part of the programme and argues that his contribution goes beyond his role as a coach.

However, those descriptions are the views of the petition’s creator and supporters rather than an official assessment by ITV.

TOM JONES SAYS THE DECISION WAS NOT HIS

Jones previously made clear that he did not choose to leave the programme.

In a statement posted on Instagram earlier in September, he said he “did not want to leave The Voice” and said ITV had made the decision.

Jones also said he had been offered a significantly reduced role instead of continuing as a full-time coach.

According to his account, he was told the change was connected to financial difficulties involving insurance, while ITV publicly described the overhaul as part of a desire to “refresh” the programme with a new coaching line-up.

ITV has not described the situation as Jones being “fired” in its official announcement.

Instead, the broadcaster thanked what it called the “irreplaceable Sir Tom Jones” for his years on the programme and for the moments he had given viewers and contestants.

HIS EMOTIONAL RESPONSE TO THE FAN CAMPAIGN

As the petition continued gathering support, Jones acknowledged the reaction in an Instagram post alongside a clip of himself performing “It’s Not Unusual” on the show.

He wrote:

“It’s Not Unusual… So many heartfelt messages, comments and even petitions of support. It doesn’t go unnoticed and it’s been really lovely to receive these! Thank you!”

The message was quickly met with an outpouring of comments from fans.

Many viewers told Jones they wanted to see him return to the programme, while others praised his contribution to the show and his decades-long music career.

A MAJOR CHANGE IS COMING TO THE VOICE UK

ITV has confirmed that Series 15 will feature a significantly different coaching line-up.

Cheryl and Manchester rapper Aitch will join returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

They replace Jones, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones on the coaching panel.

The presenting team will also change.

Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon will take over hosting duties, replacing Emma Willis.

The revamped series is scheduled to air in 2027.

ITV THANKS SIR TOM FOR HIS YEARS ON THE SHOW

In its official announcement, ITV paid tribute to Jones and acknowledged the contribution he had made to The Voice UK.

The broadcaster thanked him for his years on the programme and for the moments he had shared with both viewers and contestants.

ITV also thanked Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Emma Willis for their contributions.

The broadcaster has said discussions about Jones’ future involvement are continuing, meaning his departure as a full-time coach does not necessarily mean viewers will never see him connected with the programme again.

THE PETITION CONTINUES TO GROW

The campaign to bring Jones back has continued despite ITV already announcing its new line-up.

The petition’s wording says supporters believe his experience and mentorship are valuable to aspiring performers.

It also calls on ITV to reconsider its decision.

As of the latest Change.org listing, the petition has surpassed 62,000 verified signatures, with the number continuing to rise.

Whether the campaign will change ITV’s plans for Series 15 remains unknown.

For now, the broadcaster’s confirmed line-up remains Cheryl, Aitch, Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

“THANK YOU”

For Jones himself, the reaction from viewers appears to have been deeply appreciated.

Rather than criticising the fans’ campaign, he simply acknowledged the messages and thanked those who had supported him.

His brief response came as thousands of viewers continued to debate his exit from the programme.

After more than a decade associated with The Voice UK, the next chapter will see the show move forward with a new coaching panel — while fans continue to make their feelings known.

And for Sir Tom Jones, one message from the audience was clear: the support has not gone unnoticed.