“I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE” — SIR TOM JONES DROPPED FROM THE VOICE UK AFTER 13 YEARS AS ITV SHAKE-UP SPARKS FAN FURY

Sir Tom Jones has been removed as a full-time coach on The Voice UK after 13 years — and the music legend says he never wanted to walk away. The shock decision has triggered an angry reaction from fans and left the iconic red-chair panel facing a major overhaul.

“I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE”

After more than a decade sitting in his famous red chair, Sir Tom Jones is no longer returning as a full-time coach on The Voice UK.

But according to the 86-year-old Welsh music legend himself, this was not his choice.

Jones publicly addressed the decision after ITV announced a major refresh of the coaching line-up.

“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” he said in a statement shared on social media.

Jones claimed ITV had made the decision some time ago but only informed him recently. He also said the reason initially given to him involved financial difficulties surrounding insurance.

The singer’s comments immediately changed the tone surrounding his departure.

ITV WANTED A “REFRESH”

ITV has presented the change as part of a wider overhaul of The Voice UK.

Jones had been part of the programme since its launch in 2012 and became one of its most recognisable faces.

The network’s new line-up will feature Cheryl, alongside returning coaches will.i.am and Kelly Rowland, while rapper Aitch joins the panel.

There will also be a change in the presenting team, with Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon taking over from Emma Willis.

ITV has described Jones as an important part of the show’s history, while reports indicate producers had been looking for a new direction for the upcoming series.

But Jones appeared far less enthusiastic about the proposed change.

HE WAS OFFERED A SMALLER ROLE

The situation became even more awkward when Jones revealed that he had apparently been offered a reduced role on the programme.

Rather than returning as a coach from the beginning, he said the proposal would have involved making an appearance without being fully involved in the competition.

Jones said he was “not thrilled” with the arrangement.

His frustration was clear as he reflected on being removed from a show he still wanted to be part of.

The decision has since prompted an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities, with many questioning why the veteran star was being pushed aside after such a long association with the programme.

FANS AREN’T HAPPY

The backlash has grown as the new series begins filming.

Viewers have flooded social media with messages expressing their disappointment, with some arguing that Jones was one of the defining personalities of The Voice UK.

Former colleagues and other public figures have also paid tribute to his contribution to the show.

Even former coach Olly Murs and television personalities including Les Dennis and Carol Vorderman have publicly supported Jones amid the controversy.

The reaction has turned what ITV intended as a routine programme refresh into one of the show’s biggest shake-ups in years.

A NEW ERA FOR THE VOICE

The changes don’t stop with Jones.

Cheryl’s return to prime-time television has been closely watched, while Aitch’s arrival marks another significant change to the coaching panel.

The new series is being filmed in Manchester and is expected to air on ITV next year.

For Jones, however, the biggest surprise may be that his extraordinary run ended without him choosing to end it.

After 13 years, the man who became almost synonymous with The Voice UK has been left watching from the sidelines.

And his own words made his feelings unmistakably clear:

He didn’t want to leave. ITV made the decision.

Now, fans are left asking whether The Voice UK will ever feel quite the same without Sir Tom Jones in that red chair.