SIR TOM JONES THANKS FANS AS PETITION TO BRING HIM BACK TO THE VOICE UK SURGES

Sir Tom Jones has responded to the huge wave of support from fans following the announcement that he will no longer return as a full-time coach on The Voice UK.

The 86-year-old music legend took to Instagram to thank viewers after tens of thousands of people signed a petition calling for him to be reinstated on the ITV singing competition.

Sharing a video of himself performing his iconic hit “It’s Not Unusual” on the show, Jones 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!”

His message came as the campaign to bring him back continued to gather momentum.

FANS RALLY AROUND THE VOICE LEGEND

The Change.org petition was launched by fan Aaron Howlett on September 8, shortly after news of Jones’ departure emerged.

The petition had attracted more than 58,000 verified signatures when checked by Change.org, while other reports have placed the overall number of signatures above 80,000 depending on how the figures are counted.

The campaign calls on ITV to reconsider its decision and bring Jones back to the coaching panel.

Jones has been closely associated with The Voice UK since the programme first launched in 2012, apart from a one-year absence in 2016.

During his time on the show, he coached several successful contestants, including three series winners: Leanne Mitchell, Ruti Olajugbagbe and Anthonia Edwards.

TOM JONES SAID HE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE

Earlier this month, Jones addressed his departure directly and said he had not wanted to leave the programme.

He said ITV had initially cited financial difficulties involving insurance before publicly describing the change as part of an effort to refresh the show.

Jones also said he had been offered a significantly reduced role in which he would make an appearance without being involved from the beginning of the competition.

He made clear that he was unhappy with the proposal.

ITV, meanwhile, said it had enjoyed working with Jones and confirmed that while he would no longer be a full-time coach for Series 15, discussions about possible future involvement were continuing.

A MAJOR CHANGE IS COMING TO THE VOICE UK

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

Cheryl and Aitch will make their coaching debuts, joining returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

Jones, along with McFly stars Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, will leave the regular coaching panel.

The programme is also getting a new presenting team, with Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon replacing Emma Willis.

ITV described Jones as an “irreplaceable” part of the show’s history and thanked him for the years of memorable moments he brought to the programme.

WILL TOM JONES RETURN?

For now, there is no confirmation that Jones will return as a full-time coach.

ITV has said discussions with Jones and his team about his possible involvement are continuing, leaving open the possibility of him appearing in another capacity.

His latest Instagram message did not announce any new role. Instead, it focused on thanking the fans who have continued to support him.

With the petition still attracting signatures, the future of Jones’ relationship with The Voice UK remains a major talking point among viewers.

For now, the singer’s message to his supporters is simple: he has seen their support — and he is grateful for it.