“I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE” — TOM JONES SPEAKS OUT AFTER THE VOICE UK EXIT

Sir Tom Jones has spoken publicly about his departure from The Voice UK, saying he did not want to leave the show after more than a decade as one of its most recognisable coaches.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend had been part of the programme since it launched in 2012, apart from a brief absence in 2016. He returned to the coaching panel in 2017 and remained a regular presence through the latest series.

But ITV has now confirmed a major overhaul for Series 15, with Jones no longer included in the coaching line-up.

In a statement shared after reports of his departure emerged, Jones made his position clear.

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

His comments came after reports initially suggested that ITV was still in discussions with him about a possible return in another capacity.

A NEW ERA FOR THE VOICE UK

ITV officially announced its new coaching panel on September 11.

The upcoming 15th series will feature Cheryl and rapper Aitch as new coaches, alongside returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will also take over as hosts.

ITV thanked Sir Tom for his years on the programme, describing his contribution as a major part of the show’s history and acknowledging the memorable moments he created with contestants and audiences.

Series 15 is scheduled to air in 2027.

TOM JONES’ LONG HISTORY WITH THE SHOW

Jones was one of the original coaches when The Voice UK debuted in 2012.

He coached alongside will.i.am, Jessie J and Danny O’Donoghue during the show’s first season and helped contestant Leanne Mitchell become the programme’s first winner.

Over the years, he also coached other successful contestants, including Ruti Olajugbagbe, who won Series 7, and Anthonia Edwards, who won Series 11.

The programme later moved from BBC One to ITV, but Jones remained an important part of its identity.

AN UNEXPECTED DEPARTURE

Jones’ exit has attracted attention partly because ITV had publicly announced in June 2025 that he would return for the following series alongside will.i.am, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, with Kelly Rowland joining the panel.

By September 2026, however, ITV had announced an entirely different line-up.

Reports about the change initially varied, with some suggesting Jones had been dropped as part of a wider refresh while ITV said it remained hopeful of working with him.

Jones’ own statement subsequently made clear that he had wanted to remain involved with the programme.

A LEGENDARY MUSIC CAREER

Away from television, Jones remains one of Britain’s most enduring performers.

His career spans more than six decades and includes international hits such as “It’s Not Unusual,” “What’s New Pussycat?,” “Delilah” and “She’s a Lady.”

He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for his services to music.

For many viewers, however, his role on The Voice UK became another defining chapter in his remarkable career.

Now, as the show moves toward a new coaching era, Jones’ departure marks the end of his latest chapter with the programme — although his connection with The Voice UK remains a significant part of its history.

The next series will feature Cheryl, Aitch, Kelly Rowland and will.i.am in the famous red chairs, while Tom Jones will no longer be among them.