WILL.I.AM “FURIOUS” OVER SIR TOM JONES’ SHOCK EXIT — AND NOW CHERYL IS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

Behind-the-scenes tension is reportedly rising at The Voice UK after Sir Tom Jones was dropped from the coaching panel — with will.i.am said to be unhappy about the way the decision was handled.

The new era of The Voice UK has barely begun filming, but reports suggest tensions are already building behind the scenes.

Longtime coach Sir Tom Jones, 86, has been removed as a full-time coach ahead of Series 15, with Cheryl and Aitch joining returning coaches will.i.am and Kelly Rowland.

But according to reports, the biggest problem may not be the new lineup itself — but the way ITV handled Tom Jones’ departure.

WILL.I.AM “FURIOUS”

According to a source quoted by The Sun, will.i.am has been left furious over how producers dealt with Jones’ exit.

The insider claimed the atmosphere around the start of filming was noticeably different this year, with the usual welcome events reportedly absent.

“It’s seriously awkward,” the source claimed, adding that will.i.am has been making his feelings known behind the scenes.

The reports are particularly striking because will.i.am is now the only remaining coach from The Voice UK’s original 2012 lineup.

And with Tom Jones having been such a major part of the programme for more than a decade, his sudden departure has clearly become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the new series.

TOM JONES SAYS HE DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE

The controversy intensified after Jones himself spoke publicly about the decision.

The Welsh music legend said he did not want to leave the show and claimed ITV had made the decision to remove him from the coaching panel.

Jones said he had been told that financial difficulties involving insurance were behind the decision.

He also questioned ITV’s public explanation that the show was simply being “refreshed,” saying he was subsequently offered a much smaller role rather than continuing as a full coach.

ITV has not described the situation as a “sacking” in its official announcement.

Instead, the broadcaster said Jones would no longer be a full-time coach for Series 15 and thanked him for his years on the programme. ITV also said discussions were continuing with Jones and his team about possible involvement in the next series.

CHERYL NOW FINDS HERSELF IN AN AWKWARD POSITION

And then there is Cheryl.

The former Girls Aloud star has been announced as one of the new coaches alongside rapper Aitch.

But reports suggest Cheryl herself was not responsible for Jones’ departure and has reportedly found herself caught in the backlash surrounding the casting change.

Some viewers have treated her arrival as a direct replacement for the legendary singer, even though the decision to change the coaching lineup was made by ITV.

That has reportedly created an uncomfortable situation as the new coaches begin working together.

A MAJOR SHAKE-UP

ITV officially confirmed the new Series 15 lineup on September 11.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over as hosts, while Cheryl and Aitch will make their coaching debuts.

They will join Kelly Rowland and will.i.am, with the new series scheduled to air in 2027.

The changes represent one of the biggest shake-ups in the show’s recent history.

Tom Jones, meanwhile, had been one of the programme’s most recognizable faces since its launch in 2012, appearing as a full-time coach in 13 of its 14 seasons.

AND THEN WILL.I.AM BROKE DOWN

The situation became even more emotional when will.i.am was reportedly seen in tears while filming the new series.

The Sun reported that the Black Eyed Peas star became emotional while discussing Jones’ departure and said the veteran singer had given his “blessing” for him to continue on the programme.

That detail has added another layer to an already uncomfortable transition.

For now, ITV is moving forward with its new-look panel.

But with fans still debating Jones’ departure, reports of backstage frustration and will.i.am’s alleged anger, the question remains:

Can the new version of The Voice UK win viewers over — or will audiences continue asking for Sir Tom Jones to come back?