WILL.I.AM BACKS THE CALL FOR TOM JONES TO RETURN TO THE VOICE UK

The campaign to bring Sir Tom Jones back to The Voice UK has gained another major boost — with fellow coach Will.i.am publicly sharing the petition calling for the legendary singer to return.

Thousands of fans have rallied behind the campaign after ITV confirmed that Tom Jones would no longer serve as a full-time coach when the show returns for its 15th series in 2027.

And now, one of his longtime colleagues has added his voice to the growing conversation.

WILL.I.AM SHARES THE PETITION

Will.i.am, who has worked alongside Tom Jones on The Voice UK since the show’s early years, collaborated on an Instagram post sharing the Change.org petition started by superfan Aaron Howlett.

The petition calls on ITV to reinstate the 86-year-old Welsh music legend as a coach.

By late September, the campaign had attracted more than 60,000 verified signatures, showing the scale of the reaction among viewers and fans.

The petition was launched on September 8, shortly after Tom revealed that his departure from the programme had not been his choice.

For fans who have watched the show since its early years, his absence represents a major change to the familiar coaching panel.

TOM JONES SAYS HE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE

Tom Jones publicly addressed his departure earlier this month, explaining that ITV had made the decision to remove him from the regular coaching line-up.

The singer said he loved The Voice and appreciated its audience.

He also explained that he had initially been told the decision was connected to insurance-related financial difficulties, while ITV later publicly described the change as part of an effort to refresh the programme.

Tom said ITV had offered him a much smaller role involving an appearance rather than being involved from the beginning of the competition.

He made clear that he was unhappy with that arrangement.

ITV, meanwhile, thanked Jones for his years on the programme and described him as an irreplaceable part of the show’s history.

HE HAS BEEN PART OF THE SHOW SINCE 2012

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

Although he took a break in 2016, he later returned and became a familiar presence in the famous red chair.

Over the years, viewers watched him coach aspiring singers, turn his chair during blind auditions and share the panel with a succession of other major artists.

His long association with the programme has made his departure particularly emotional for many longtime viewers.

THE NEW PANEL HAS ALREADY BEEN ANNOUNCED

ITV has confirmed a completely revamped coaching line-up for Series 15.

Will.i.am and Kelly Rowland will return, while Cheryl and Aitch will join the coaching panel.

The broadcaster has also announced Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon as the new hosts.

Series 15 is scheduled to air in 2027.

That means the next season will look very different from the current series, which still features Tom Jones.

THE PETITION CONTINUES TO GROW

Aaron Howlett, the fan who launched the petition, has said he was overwhelmed by the response.

What began as a fan campaign quickly attracted signatures from viewers across the UK and beyond.

The petition argues that Jones has played an important role in the show’s identity and that fans want ITV to reconsider its decision.

As of the latest available update, the Change.org page showed more than 66,000 verified signatures.

While a petition does not guarantee a change to ITV’s plans, its rapid growth has ensured that the issue remains part of the public conversation surrounding the next series.

WILL.I.AM’S SUPPORT ADDS ANOTHER TWIST

The involvement of Will.i.am is particularly notable because he and Tom Jones have shared the coaching panel for many years.

Will.i.am has previously spoken emotionally about Jones’ departure while filming the upcoming series.

His decision to share the petition gives the fan campaign additional visibility — and makes the relationship between the two longtime coaches an important part of the story.

At the same time, ITV has already announced the new line-up, and reports indicate that filming for Series 15 has begun without Tom Jones.

For now, there has been no official announcement that ITV intends to reverse its decision.

COULD TOM JONES REALLY RETURN?

The campaign has certainly put pressure on the conversation around Tom’s departure, but there is currently no confirmed announcement that he will return as a full-time coach.

ITV previously said that although Jones would no longer be a full-time coach, it remained in discussions with him and his team about possible involvement in the next series.

That leaves the door open to questions about whether viewers could eventually see him make an appearance — even if a full return to the famous red chair has not been confirmed.

For now, fans continue to make their feelings known.

And with Will.i.am now publicly sharing the petition, the campaign to see Tom Jones back on The Voice UK has gained another high-profile supporter.

One thing is clear: Tom Jones may be leaving the red chair, but his connection with The Voice UK audience is far from forgotten. 

FULL STORY AND LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COMMENTS.

The petition reflects the views of its signatories and does not mean ITV has agreed to change its plans for Series 15.