“BRING TOM JONES BACK!” — MORE THAN 73,000 FANS BACK CAMPAIGN TO RESTORE THE VOICE UK LEGEND

LONDON, UK — A growing campaign is calling on ITV to bring Sir Tom Jones back to The Voice UK, with tens of thousands of supporters signing a petition after the legendary singer announced that he would not return as a coach.

The online petition, launched by superfan Aaron Howlett on September 8, 2026, had attracted more than 73,000 signatures by the latest available count. Supporters say the 86-year-old Welsh singer remains an important part of the programme and believe his experience, honesty and warmth helped make the competition special.

The campaign has also received support from fellow coach will.i.am, who shared the petition on social media, adding a high-profile voice to fans’ calls for ITV to reconsider its decision.

TOM JONES SAYS HE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE

Sir Tom, who joined The Voice UK when the show launched in 2012, revealed his departure in a social media statement that surprised many viewers.

The singer said he loved the programme and appreciated its audience, making clear that leaving had not been his choice. He also explained that ITV had cited financial difficulties involving insurance when informing him of the decision.

The broadcaster, meanwhile, thanked Sir Tom for his contribution and the many memorable moments he had brought to the series. ITV had previously described its plans as an effort to refresh the show with a new coaching line-up.

For longtime viewers, the announcement marked the end of an era. Sir Tom had become one of the programme’s most recognisable figures, bringing decades of performance experience to the red chair and offering contestants advice shaped by a career spanning generations.

WHY FANS WANT HIM BACK

The petition argues that Sir Tom’s contribution went beyond his celebrity status. Supporters praise his musical knowledge, straightforward feedback and ability to connect with aspiring singers.

For many, his presence represented continuity in a programme that has repeatedly changed its coaching line-up. His departure has therefore prompted questions among fans about the direction the show is taking and whether its new format will retain the qualities that originally attracted viewers.

The campaign’s growing signature count reflects the strength of feeling among those who want ITV to reconsider. However, petition signatures do not necessarily represent the views of all viewers, and there is no guarantee that the broadcaster will change its plans.

WILL.I.AM ADDS HIS SUPPORT

One of the most notable developments came when will.i.am publicly backed the petition. The pair have shared the coaching panel for years, and his support brought further attention to the campaign.

The endorsement also highlighted that the reaction was not limited to viewers. Sir Tom’s departure has prompted discussion among people associated with the programme, although each person’s views and ITV’s final decisions remain separate matters.

Fans have continued to share messages celebrating the singer’s contribution and calling for him to be given another opportunity on the show.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR THE VOICE UK?

ITV is moving ahead with changes to the programme’s coaching panel. Cheryl and rapper Aitch are among the new names joining the revamped line-up, alongside returning coach will.i.am and Kelly Rowland. The next series is expected to bring a different dynamic to the competition.

At the time of writing, there has been no confirmed announcement that Sir Tom will be reinstated as a full-time coach. The petition remains a public appeal rather than a formal decision-making process, and its eventual influence on ITV is uncertain.

For supporters, though, the message is simple: they want the singer back in the red chair.

Whether the campaign will change ITV’s plans remains to be seen. But with thousands of people adding their names and a fellow coach publicly backing the appeal, Sir Tom Jones’ departure has become one of the most talked-about changes in the show’s recent history.

After more than a decade on The Voice UK, the question now being asked by fans is whether this really is the end of his time on the programme — or whether ITV could one day bring the familiar voice back.