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

Sir Tom Jones has officially been left out of the next series of The Voice UK, bringing an end to his latest run as one of the show’s most familiar coaches — while tens of thousands of fans are calling for him to be brought back.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend had been an on-and-off coach on the ITV singing competition since its launch in 2012.

ITV has now confirmed a completely revamped coaching panel for Series 15, which will air in 2027.

Jones is not among the coaches announced for the new season.

ITV CONFIRMS NEW LINE-UP

On September 11, ITV announced that Cheryl, Aitch and Kelly Rowland will join returning coach will.i.am for the next series.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over as hosts.

ITV thanked Jones for his years on the programme, describing him as an important part of the show’s history and acknowledging the many memorable moments he had given viewers and contestants.

The broadcaster also confirmed the departures of Emma Willis, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

Series 15 is scheduled to broadcast in 2027.

The announcement followed weeks of uncertainty surrounding Jones’ future on the programme.

TOM JONES SAID HE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE

Before ITV formally announced the new line-up, Jones publicly addressed reports that he was being removed from the show.

The singer said he had not wanted to leave The Voice UK and that he loved the programme and appreciated its audience.

Earlier reports had suggested ITV was considering changes to the coaching panel, while Jones’ own comments made clear that his departure was not his choice.

The situation quickly became a major talking point among viewers who had watched Jones serve as a coach for more than a decade.

MORE THAN 65,000 PEOPLE SIGN PETITION

A petition calling for Jones to be reinstated has now attracted more than 65,000 verified signatures on Change.org.

The petition was launched on September 8, shortly after reports about Jones’ departure emerged.

Its organiser argues that Jones’ experience, mentorship and long-standing connection with the programme make him an important part of The Voice UK.

The petition does not represent an ITV decision, but its growing signature count shows the scale of the campaign among supporters seeking his return.

JONES RETURNS TO THE STAGE

Amid the controversy, Jones recently appeared on The Voice UK and performed his iconic hit “It’s Not Unusual.”

The performance prompted a fresh wave of reactions from viewers, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment over his departure.

Some fans said they would not watch the next series without him, while others praised his performance and long association with the programme.

The moment gave viewers one more reminder of Jones’ decades-long career and his distinctive role on the show.

A MAJOR OVERHAUL FOR 2027

Jones’ departure is part of a much larger transformation at The Voice UK.

Alongside the new coaching panel, the programme is also changing its presenting line-up.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will jointly host the new series, replacing Emma Willis.

Reports have also suggested that the familiar Rewind button could be replaced by a new “Lockdown” twist during the Blind Auditions.

According to TVGuide, the reported format change would give coaches greater control after a contestant receives a four-chair turn. ITV has not included full details of the reported twist in its official announcement.

WHAT HAPPENS TO TOM JONES NEXT?

For now, ITV’s official announcement places Jones outside the coaching line-up for Series 15.

The broadcaster has expressed its thanks for his contribution, while the petition calling for his return continues to attract new supporters.

Whether the campaign will lead to any change remains unknown.

For Jones, however, the end of his latest Voice UK chapter comes after more than a decade of appearances, performances and mentorship on one of Britain’s best-known televised singing competitions.

And with more than 65,000 people now publicly calling for his return, his departure has clearly become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the show’s 2027 relaunch.