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

The campaign to bring Sir Tom Jones back to The Voice UK has gained another major supporter — his longtime fellow coach will.i.am.

The Black Eyed Peas star has shared a petition calling for Tom to be reinstated on the ITV singing competition, adding fresh attention to a campaign that has now attracted more than 70,000 verified signatures from supporters around the world.

For fans who have followed Tom’s journey on the show since its beginning, will.i.am’s public support has become one of the most notable developments since ITV announced its new coaching lineup.

WILL.I.AM SHARES THE PETITION

The petition was started by The Voice UK superfan Aaron Howlett, who launched the campaign on September 8 after Tom revealed that he would no longer be returning as a full-time coach.

Will.i.am later shared the campaign on social media, publicly drawing attention to the call for Tom to return.

The move was significant because will.i.am has worked alongside Tom for years, having been part of the original The Voice UK coaching lineup when the programme launched in 2012.

The petition now has more than 70,000 verified signatures, although there has been no announcement that ITV will reverse its decision as a result of the campaign.

 TOM JONES DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE

The campaign began after Tom himself revealed that his departure was not something he had chosen.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend said ITV had told him he would no longer be a full-time coach and that he had been offered a significantly reduced role.

Tom said he was disappointed with the proposal because he loved the programme and did not want to leave.

He also explained that ITV had cited financial difficulties involving insurance as part of the reason for the change, while the broadcaster later described the move as part of an effort to refresh the show.

Tom had been an on-and-off coach since the programme launched in 2012, missing only one series before returning and becoming a familiar presence in the red chair.

ITV HAS ALREADY ANNOUNCED THE NEW LINEUP

ITV has officially announced its coaching lineup for Series 15, which is scheduled to air in 2027.

The new panel will feature:

• will.i.am
• Kelly Rowland
• Cheryl
• Aitch

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over presenting duties.

ITV thanked Tom for his years on the programme, describing him as an important part of The Voice UK and acknowledging the many memorable moments he created with contestants and viewers.

 FANS HAVE BEEN CAMPAIGNING FOR HIS RETURN

The petition’s creator argues that Tom’s experience and mentorship have made him an important part of the programme.

Thousands of supporters have signed, with comments coming from fans in the UK and other countries.

The campaign has continued to grow even after ITV confirmed its plans for the next series.

The petition itself asks ITV to reconsider the decision and reinstate Tom as a coach.

However, the petition represents the views of its supporters and does not mean ITV has agreed to change its plans.

 TOM’S HISTORY WITH THE SHOW

Tom was part of the original coaching team when The Voice UK premiered in 2012.

Over the years, he has shared the panel with a long list of major artists, including will.i.am, Jessie J, Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Olly Murs and Kelly Rowland.

He has also coached contestants who went on to win the competition.

That long history is one reason his departure has generated such a strong response from viewers.

For many fans, Tom has become closely associated with the identity of the programme itself.

 WILL.I.AM AND TOM’S LONG WORKING RELATIONSHIP

Will.i.am’s decision to share the petition has added another layer to the story.

The two musicians have spent years sitting beside each other in the famous red chairs, offering advice to contestants and occasionally disagreeing over which singers should join their teams.

Their friendship and professional relationship have been part of the programme’s appeal.

Now, with Tom absent from the confirmed Series 15 lineup, will.i.am’s decision to publicly share the campaign has given fans another reason to believe the conversation surrounding Tom’s departure is far from over.

But whether it will lead to a change remains unknown.

 COULD TOM STILL APPEAR?

There is one important detail that has kept the door slightly open.

When ITV announced the new lineup, the broadcaster confirmed Tom would not return as a full-time coach for Series 15.

However, ITV previously said it remained in discussions with Tom and his team about possible involvement in the next series.

That means his absence from the full-time coaching lineup does not necessarily rule out every possible appearance.

As of now, however, there is no confirmed announcement that Tom Jones will return as a regular coach.

 THE CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

The petition has now become one of the biggest fan campaigns surrounding The Voice UK in recent weeks.

With more than 70,000 verified signatures and support from will.i.am, attention remains focused on whether ITV will respond to the growing public campaign.

For now, the broadcaster’s announced Series 15 lineup remains unchanged.

Tom Jones’ future involvement, if any, has yet to be confirmed.

And while fans continue to call for his return, one thing is clear: Sir Tom Jones’ departure has sparked a conversation that has reached far beyond the show’s red chairs.

Will.i.am has made his position visible. Thousands of fans have signed. Now, viewers are waiting to see what happens next.