TOM JONES SAYS HE WAS “FIRED” FROM THE VOICE UK AS ITV UNVEILS MAJOR SHAKE-UP

LONDON — Sir Tom Jones has spoken publicly about his departure from The Voice UK, saying he did not want to leave the long-running singing competition and claiming that ITV made the decision to remove him from his role as a coach.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend said he was told that the decision was connected to financial difficulties surrounding insurance.

His comments came shortly before ITV announced a major overhaul of the programme’s coaching and presenting line-up for its 15th series, which is scheduled to air in 2027.

“I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE”

In a statement shared on social media, Jones made clear that his departure was not voluntary from his perspective.

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

Jones claimed ITV had made the decision some time earlier but had only recently informed him.

According to the singer, the reason initially given to him was “financial difficulty with insurance.”

He also said ITV later described the changes as an effort to “refresh” the programme, with a new coaching line-up meaning there would be no place for him in the regular panel.

Jones said he had instead been offered a much smaller role in which he would make an appearance without being involved from the beginning of the competition.

He said he was “not thrilled” with that proposal.

The singer then made a pointed reference to his age, saying there was never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who was “still pretty good at his job.”

ITV GIVES A DIFFERENT EMPHASIS

ITV has not used the word “fired” in describing Jones’s departure.

A spokesperson for The Voice UK said the broadcaster had loved working with Jones over the previous nine years.

The statement said he would no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, while ITV continued discussions with Jones and his representatives about his possible involvement in the next series.

The broadcaster later officially announced a completely redesigned line-up for the 2027 series.

ITV thanked Jones for what it called his years on the programme and for the memorable moments he had given to both audiences and contestants.

NEW COACHING PANEL REVEALED

Series 15 will feature Girls Aloud star Cheryl and rapper Aitch, both making their debut as coaches on the programme.

They will join returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

The changes mean that Jones, McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones will no longer serve as regular coaches for the new series.

The presenting team will also change.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over hosting duties for series 15, replacing Emma Willis.

The new series is scheduled to broadcast in 2027.

A LONG HISTORY WITH THE SHOW

Jones has been associated with The Voice UK since its launch in 2012.

He served as a coach during the programme’s early BBC years and returned after a brief absence before continuing his role under ITV.

During his time on the programme, he coached several successful contestants, including the show’s first winner, Leanne Mitchell, as well as Ruti Olajugbagbe and Anthonia Edwards.

His departure is therefore the end of a major chapter in the show’s history, although ITV has left open the possibility of some form of involvement in the future.

THE CURRENT SERIES WILL BE HIS LAST AS A REGULAR COACH

Despite the changes announced for 2027, Jones remains part of the current series.

The existing coaching panel includes Jones alongside will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

That means viewers will still see Jones in the current run before the new line-up takes over for series 15.

The transition has also generated a public response, with a petition calling for Jones to be reinstated attracting tens of thousands of signatures by late September, according to reports. Will.i.am has also publicly backed the petition.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

For now, Jones’s exact future relationship with The Voice UK remains unclear.

ITV has confirmed that he will not return as a full-time coach for series 15, but the broadcaster has also said discussions about his possible involvement are continuing.

Jones, meanwhile, has made clear that he would have preferred to remain a regular part of the programme.

As The Voice UK prepares for another major transformation in 2027, the departure of one of its longest-serving coaches marks a significant change for a show that has featured Jones for much of its history.

For viewers, the new series will bring a different coaching panel, new presenters and a new era for the competition — while the question of whether Sir Tom Jones will make a special return remains open.