SIR TOM JONES SPEAKS OUT AFTER LEAVING THE VOICE UK: “I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE”

THE 86-YEAR-OLD MUSIC LEGEND SAYS ITV MADE THE DECISION — WHILE THE SHOW CONFIRMS A MAJOR NEW LINE-UP FOR 2027

Sir Tom Jones has broken his silence over his departure from The Voice UK, revealing that he did not want to leave the long-running singing competition and claiming that ITV made the decision to remove him from the coaching panel.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend said he was only recently informed that he would not return as a full-time coach for the show’s 15th series.

Jones, who has been associated with the programme since its launch in 2012, said the reason given to him was a “financial difficulty with insurance.”

The singer said he was subsequently offered a significantly reduced role in which he would make an appearance but would not be involved with a team of contestants from the beginning of the competition.

He said he was “not thrilled” with the proposal.

“I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE THE VOICE”

In a statement shared on social media, Jones made clear that his departure was not his choice.

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

Jones said ITV had made the decision “obviously a while ago” but that he had only been told recently.

He also addressed the explanation being given publicly for the change.

“They now say in the press they wanted to ‘refresh’ the show,” Jones said, adding that with a new coaching line-up there would no longer be a chair for him.

The singer ended his statement with a pointed remark about his age, saying there was “never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”

His comments quickly drew attention from fans and fellow performers.

Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia, who supported Jones on tour earlier in 2026, said she “doesn’t understand” why he had been removed from the show.

ITV CONFIRMS A MAJOR SHAKE-UP

ITV has now formally announced the line-up for Series 15, confirming that Jones will not return as a full-time coach.

The broadcaster announced that Cheryl and rapper Aitch will join the coaching panel for the next series.

They will sit alongside returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

The broadcaster also announced that Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over hosting duties.

The new series is scheduled to air in 2027.

ITV thanked Jones for his years on the programme, describing him as “irreplaceable” and praising the many memorable moments he had given audiences and contestants.

The broadcaster also thanked Emma Willis, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones for their contributions to the show.

TOM JONES’ LONG HISTORY WITH THE SHOW

Jones has been one of the most recognisable faces associated with The Voice UK.

He first joined the coaching panel when the programme launched in 2012.

Although he was absent for one series, he later returned and continued as a coach for much of the show’s run.

During his time on the programme, Jones coached several successful contestants, including three artists who eventually won their respective series.

His departure therefore represents a significant change for the programme, particularly because the current series is still airing with Jones on the coaching panel.

The existing panel includes Jones alongside will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

WHY DID ITV REMOVE HIM?

There are currently two explanations surrounding Jones’ departure.

Jones says he was told that the decision was connected to “financial difficulty with insurance.”

ITV, meanwhile, has publicly described the upcoming changes as a refresh of the programme and confirmed that the next series will feature a new coaching line-up.

The broadcaster has not publicly confirmed further details about the insurance issue cited by Jones.

ITV has also said it continues to discuss possible involvement for Jones in the next series, although he will not have a full-time coaching position.

That leaves open the possibility that viewers could still see the veteran performer connected with the programme in some capacity.

THE VOICE UK MOVES INTO A NEW ERA

The changes come as ITV prepares to give the show a significant makeover for Series 15.

Cheryl will make her debut as a coach, while Aitch will also take one of the famous red chairs for the first time.

Kelly Rowland is returning for another series, while will.i.am remains part of the coaching team.

Behind the scenes, the hosting line-up will also change, with Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon taking over from Emma Willis.

For now, however, Jones remains part of the current series.

His final episodes as a full-time coach will give viewers the opportunity to see the singer continue working with contestants before the new line-up takes over in 2027.

“I LOVE THE SHOW”

Despite the disappointment expressed in his statement, Jones made clear that his affection for the programme remains.

His central message was that he did not want to leave.

He said he loved The Voice UK and appreciated its audience — making his departure particularly notable after more than a decade of involvement with the franchise.

ITV has likewise emphasised its appreciation for his contribution, thanking him for the years he spent on the programme and the moments he created with aspiring singers.

For now, the exact nature of any future appearance by Jones remains unresolved.

But one thing is clear: Sir Tom Jones did not describe his departure as a voluntary decision.

As The Voice UK prepares for a new era in 2027, the show’s longtime coach will leave the red chair knowing that his final chapter on the programme was not quite the one he expected.