TOM JONES SAYS HE WAS FIRED FROM THE VOICE UK — “I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE”

After 13 seasons in the famous red chair, Sir Tom Jones says his time on The Voice UK is ending — and insists the decision was not his.

Sir Tom Jones has revealed that he did not choose to leave The Voice UK after 13 seasons, saying he was recently informed that he would no longer return as a full-time coach.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend shared the news on Instagram, explaining that ITV had decided to remove him from the coaching lineup for the show’s upcoming 15th season.

According to Jones, the reason given was a “financial difficulty with insurance.”

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

He claimed that ITV had made the decision some time ago but that he was only informed recently.

“THERE WOULDN’T BE A CHAIR FOR ME”

Jones also addressed ITV’s explanation that the program is being “refreshed” with a new coaching lineup.

The singer said he was offered a much smaller role that would have involved making appearances without being involved in the competition from the beginning.

He admitted that he was “not thrilled” with the proposal.

For Jones, the issue appeared to be about more than simply appearing on television. After more than a decade on the show, he had become one of its most recognizable coaches and a familiar face to generations of viewers.

ITV, however, offered a different tone.

A spokesperson for the network said they had “loved working with Sir Tom Jones” and confirmed that while he would no longer be a full-time coach for series 15, discussions were continuing with Jones and his team about possible involvement in the next season.

13 SEASONS IN THE RED CHAIR

Jones joined The Voice UK when the singing competition launched in 2012.

With the exception of season five, he remained part of the coaching lineup for the show’s seasons, helping contestants develop their performances while becoming one of the program’s most recognizable personalities.

The current 14th season features Jones alongside will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

But the lineup is expected to change again for season 15.

Reports have suggested that Cheryl Cole could take over Jones’ chair, while rapper Aitch has also been linked to the upcoming coaching panel. ITV has not officially confirmed the new lineup.

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

Jones ended his statement with a pointed remark about the situation.

He said:

“There’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”

The comment quickly drew attention from fans, many of whom were surprised that the legendary singer would not be returning as a full-time coach.

For viewers who have watched The Voice UK since its early years, Jones’ departure marks the end of an era.

Whether he will eventually return in another capacity remains unclear.

But one thing is certain: Sir Tom Jones says he wasn’t ready to leave the red chair.

And now fans are left wondering whether ITV’s “refresh” could really mean the end of one of the show’s most familiar faces.