TOM JONES FACES SHOCK EXIT FROM THE VOICE UK AS MORE THAN 65,000 FANS DEMAND HIS RETURN

Sir Tom Jones is facing a major change to his long-running role on The Voice UK after ITV confirmed that the 86-year-old singer will no longer serve as a full-time coach on the show’s 15th series.

But the decision has sparked a growing campaign from fans, with a petition calling for Jones to be reinstated now having passed 65,000 verified signatures.

The campaign has also received support from Jones’ fellow coach will.i.am, adding another twist to the controversy surrounding the show’s upcoming overhaul.

TOM JONES SAYS HE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE

Jones, who has been associated with The Voice UK since its launch in 2012 apart from a break during its fifth series, publicly addressed his departure earlier this month.

The Welsh singer said he had not chosen to leave the programme and claimed ITV had made the decision.

According to Jones, the reason initially given to him was a “financial difficulty with insurance.” He later said ITV publicly described the change as an effort to “refresh” the programme.

Jones also said he had been offered a significantly reduced role in which he could make an appearance but would not be involved with the competition from the beginning.

He made clear that he was unhappy with that proposal.

ITV has not described the situation as Jones simply being “fired” in its own statement. Instead, the broadcaster said it would no longer have him as a full-time coach while discussions about possible involvement in the next series continued.

ITV ANNOUNCES A COMPLETELY NEW COACHING LINE-UP

On September 11, ITV officially announced the coaching panel for Series 15.

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

The new series will also have Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon as hosts.

ITV thanked Tom Jones for his years on the programme, describing the moments he created on the show as “incredible and unforgettable.”

The broadcaster also confirmed that Emma Willis, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones would not be returning to their previous roles.

Series 15 is scheduled to air in 2027.

FANS LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO BRING HIM BACK

The decision quickly triggered an online campaign.

A Change.org petition titled “Reinstate Sir Tom Jones on The Voice UK” was launched on September 8 and has now passed 65,000 verified signatures.

The petition calls on ITV to reconsider its decision and return Jones to the coaching panel.

While the petition represents the views of its supporters rather than an ITV decision, its rapid growth has kept the dispute in the spotlight.

The campaign has also attracted attention from inside the existing coaching panel.

will.i.am shared the petition, publicly backing the campaign for Jones to return to the programme.

WILL.I.AM BACKS HIS LONGTIME COACHING PARTNER

Will.i.am and Jones have worked alongside each other on The Voice UK for years.

Their relationship on the show has become one of its most recognizable coaching partnerships, making will.i.am’s support for the petition particularly notable.

According to reports, more than 63,000 people had signed the petition by September 24, before the total passed 65,000.

The campaign’s creator, Aaron Howlett, said he had been overwhelmed by the response after initially being unsure whether the petition would attract significant support.

WHAT HAPPENS TO TOM JONES NOW?

Despite the changes, Jones’ relationship with The Voice UK may not be completely over.

ITV has said it is continuing discussions with Jones and his team about his possible involvement in Series 15.

However, the broadcaster’s official announcement makes clear that he will not be a full-time coach when the new series begins.

That leaves open the possibility of some form of appearance, although no specific role has been officially confirmed.

For now, the 2027 season will move forward with Cheryl, Aitch, Kelly Rowland and will.i.am occupying the famous red chairs.

A NEW ERA FOR THE VOICE UK

Jones’ departure marks the end of one of the longest-running coaching eras on the British version of the singing competition.

He first joined the show when The Voice UK launched in 2012 and returned after his temporary absence from Series 5.

His exit now comes as ITV prepares to introduce two new coaches and new presenters for the 2027 series.

With tens of thousands of people calling for his return — and will.i.am publicly supporting the petition — the question of whether Tom Jones will have a place in the next chapter of The Voice UK remains open.

For now, ITV’s official line-up is set. But the campaign surrounding Sir Tom Jones shows that the conversation about his future on the programme is far from over.