TOM JONES SPEAKS OUT AFTER BEING DROPPED FROM THE VOICE UK: “I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE”

LONDON — Sir Tom Jones has spoken out after confirming that he will no longer serve as a full-time coach on The Voice UK, saying he did not want to leave the ITV singing competition.

The Welsh music legend, 86, revealed that ITV made the decision to remove him from the coaching lineup after more than a decade associated with the show.

“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” Jones said in a statement shared on Instagram.

“THERE’S NEVER A GOOD TIME TO FIRE AN 86-YEAR-OLD”

Jones said he had been told the decision was initially connected to what ITV described as financial difficulties involving insurance.

He later said reports suggested the show wanted to “refresh” its coaching lineup.

According to Jones, ITV offered him a significantly reduced role in which he could make an appearance but would not be involved as a coach from the beginning.

“I’m not thrilled about that,” he said.

Jones ended his statement with a pointed remark:

“So the only thing I know right now is that there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”

MORE THAN A DECADE ON THE SHOW

Jones has been closely associated with The Voice UK since the program launched in 2012.

He was one of the original coaches and won the show’s first series with singer Leanne Mitchell.

Although he left the BBC version before returning after ITV took over the program, Jones became one of the competition’s most recognizable coaches.

During his years on the show, he also coached alongside stars including Jessie J, Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Olly Murs, Will.i.am and Kelly Rowland.

He ultimately mentored three winners: Mitchell, Ruti Olajugbagbe and Anthonia Edwards.

ITV SAYS THE DOOR IS NOT COMPLETELY CLOSED

While Jones says he did not want to leave, ITV has characterized the change somewhat differently.

A spokesperson for the show said ITV had “loved working with Sir Tom Jones” and confirmed that he would no longer be a full-time coach for series 15.

However, the broadcaster said it remained in discussions with Jones and his team about his possible involvement in the next series.

The change comes as ITV prepares for a major overhaul of the program.

A MAJOR SHAKE-UP AT THE VOICE

Jones’ departure is part of a broader restructuring of The Voice UK.

The upcoming series is expected to feature Cheryl, Aitch, Kelly Rowland and Will.i.am on the coaching panel.

The show’s presenting lineup is also changing, with Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon expected to take over hosting duties.

The format itself is also being changed.

A new “Lockdown Button” will replace the previous process in which contestants receiving a four-chair turn listened to pitches from the coaches before choosing their team.

Under the new system, a coach can use the button to immediately secure a four-chair-turn contestant for their team.

A CAREER THAT SPANS SIX DECADES

Away from television, Jones remains one of Britain’s best-known performers.

His career stretches back more than six decades, with hits including “It’s Not Unusual,” “Delilah” and “She’s a Lady.”

He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for services to music and has continued performing well into his 80s.

For now, his future with The Voice UK remains partly unresolved.

Jones says he wanted to stay.

ITV says he will no longer be a full-time coach but has left open the possibility of another role.

And as the show prepares for its next chapter, viewers will have to wait to see whether one of its most familiar faces will return in some form.