TOM JONES FANS TURN ON THE VOICE UK — ‘NOT INTERESTED!’ VIEWERS THREATEN BOYCOTT AFTER LEGENDARY SINGER IS DROPPED

Sir Tom Jones has left the show after 13 seasons — and some furious viewers say they are no longer interested in watching.

The Voice UK was supposed to be entering a new era.

Instead, the ITV talent show has found itself facing a wave of backlash after Sir Tom Jones was removed from the coaching lineup following 13 seasons.

As the revamped show returned, some viewers took to social media to make their feelings unmistakably clear — with some even threatening to boycott the programme because their favourite coach is no longer in his famous red chair.

‘AFTER THIS SERIES, I WILL BE BOYCOTTING’

The anger erupted as viewers reacted to the new coaching lineup.

One viewer reportedly accused ITV of making a major mistake by getting rid of Tom, while another branded the decision unacceptable.

A particularly strong reaction read: “After this series I will be boycotting.”

Others questioned why the legendary Welsh singer had been replaced at all, with some viewers saying they simply were not interested in watching the programme without him.

The backlash has placed ITV’s decision under an uncomfortable spotlight just as the show begins its latest chapter.

TOM JONES DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE

Tom, 86, had been a defining presence on The Voice UK since its early years.

He recently made clear that leaving was not his decision.

The singer said he had no intention of stepping away and was disappointed by the way the decision had been handled.

ITV, however, has presented the change as part of a wider effort to refresh the programme.

In its official announcement, the broadcaster thanked Tom for what it described as his countless “incredible and unforgettable moments” on the show and called him “irreplaceable.”

That praise has done little to quiet the anger among some longtime viewers.

CHERYL STEPS INTO TOM’S RED CHAIR

Tom’s departure has opened the door for Cheryl, who is returning to television as one of the show’s new coaches.

She will sit alongside Aitch, Kelly Rowland and will.i.am for Series 15.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will also take over as the show’s new presenting team.

ITV says the new lineup is designed to bring a fresh energy to the programme, with Cheryl and Aitch making their coaching debuts while Kelly Rowland returns for a second series.

But for some fans, the changes represent the end of an era rather than an exciting new beginning.

WILL.I.AM’S REPORTED REACTION ADDS TO THE DRAMA

The audience backlash is not the only controversy surrounding Tom’s departure.

Reports have claimed that longtime coach will.i.am was deeply unhappy with the way Tom’s exit was handled.

According to The Sun, will.i.am has reportedly been making his displeasure known behind the scenes, while a petition calling for Tom’s return has attracted thousands of signatures.

Importantly, those reports concern alleged backstage reactions and should not be confused with an official statement from will.i.am.

Meanwhile, Cheryl has reportedly found herself caught in the middle of the controversy despite not being responsible for ITV’s casting decision.

CAN THE VOICE UK MOVE ON WITHOUT HIM?

The new lineup gives ITV a chance to reinvent the programme.

But Tom Jones’ departure has created a difficult question for the show:

Can The Voice UK keep its longtime audience when one of its most recognisable faces is no longer there?

For some viewers, the answer already appears to be no.

The new coaches may bring fresh personalities, new rivalries and a different dynamic to the famous red chairs.

But after 13 seasons, Tom Jones had become more than just another coach.

And if the growing online backlash is anything to go by, ITV may have discovered that replacing a legend is considerably easier than convincing his fans to move on.