SIR TOM JONES SPEAKS OUT AFTER THE VOICE UK EXIT AS FANS RALLY FOR HIS RETURN

Sir Tom Jones has spoken publicly about his departure from The Voice UK, saying he did not want to leave the ITV singing competition and thanking fans who have rallied behind him.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend has been at the heart of the show for years, but ITV has confirmed that he will not return as a full-time coach for Series 15 in 2027.

The decision has sparked a major reaction from viewers, with a petition calling for Jones to be reinstated attracting tens of thousands of signatures.

TOM JONES: “I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE”

Jones addressed the situation publicly on Instagram after news of his departure emerged.

He made clear that leaving the programme was not his choice, saying:

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

Jones said ITV had made the decision some time earlier but had only told him recently.

He also said the reason initially given to him was financial difficulty relating to insurance.

According to Jones, ITV later publicly described the decision as part of an effort to “refresh” the show with a new coaching line-up.

He said he had been offered a much smaller role involving an appearance rather than being involved in the competition from the beginning.

Jones added that he was not pleased with that proposal.

ITV CONFIRMS A MAJOR SHAKE-UP

ITV subsequently announced a completely new coaching line-up for Series 15.

The 2027 panel will feature:

• Cheryl
• Aitch
• Kelly Rowland
• will.i.am

Cheryl and Aitch will make their coaching debuts, while Kelly Rowland and will.i.am will return.

Jones, along with Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher, will no longer serve as full-time coaches.

ITV thanked Sir Tom for what it described as his years on the programme and the many memorable moments he had given viewers and contestants.

The broadcaster also said that although Jones would no longer be a full-time coach, discussions with him and his team about possible involvement in the next series were continuing.

THE PETITION TO BRING HIM BACK

The announcement quickly triggered a fan campaign.

A petition launched by fan Aaron Howlett on September 8 calls on ITV to reinstate Jones as a coach.

The petition had passed 60,000 verified signatures by September 23 according to its Change.org page, although some media reports have cited a higher overall signature count because different figures are being reported for total and verified signatures.

The petition argues that Jones remains an important part of the show’s identity and asks ITV to reconsider its decision.

A petition does not have contractual power over ITV’s casting decisions, however. The final decision about the Series 15 coaching panel remains with ITV and the programme’s producers.

WILL.I.AM ALSO SHOWS HIS SUPPORT

The situation has also received attention from Jones’ fellow coach will.i.am.

The Black Eyed Peas star publicly shared the petition calling for Jones to return.

During filming for the upcoming series, will.i.am also reportedly became emotional while discussing Jones’ departure and said that Jones had given him his blessing to continue with the programme.

Those reports came from The Sun and were based partly on comments from an unnamed source, so they should be distinguished from ITV’s official statements.

JONES THANKS HIS SUPPORTERS

The reaction became even stronger after Jones appeared on the current series and performed his classic song “It’s Not Unusual.”

Following the performance and the online response, Jones thanked supporters for the messages and petitions calling for him to return.

He wrote:

“So many heartfelt messages, comments and even petitions of support. It doesn’t go unnoticed and it’s been really lovely to receive these! Thank you!”

His message came as the petition continued to attract new signatures.

A LONG HISTORY WITH THE VOICE

Jones has been associated with The Voice UK since its launch in 2012, although his time on the show has not been continuous.

He was part of the original BBC One coaching line-up and won the first series with contestant Leanne Mitchell.

He later returned to the programme after ITV took over the format.

Over the years, Jones has coached several successful contestants and became one of the show’s longest-serving and most recognisable figures.

His departure therefore represents a significant change to the programme’s coaching panel.

THE SHOW IS ALSO CHANGING ITS HOSTS

The coaching panel is not the only part of The Voice UK being changed.

Long-time presenter Emma Willis is leaving the programme, with Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon announced as the new presenting team for Series 15.

The new series is scheduled to air in 2027.

The current series, featuring Jones, continues to air before the revamped format arrives next year.

WHAT HAPPENS TO TOM JONES NEXT?

For now, Jones is not scheduled to be a full-time coach on Series 15.

However, ITV has left open the possibility of him appearing in another capacity, saying discussions with his team are continuing.

That means his complete absence from the 2027 programme has not been formally confirmed.

At the same time, there has been no announcement that ITV has reversed its decision and reinstated him as a full-time coach.

For now, the confirmed position is that Cheryl, Aitch, Kelly Rowland and will.i.am make up the announced coaching panel for Series 15, while Jones’ future involvement remains under discussion.

The petition and the reaction from viewers have ensured that the story continues to attract attention, but whether Jones ultimately returns to the red chairs remains unresolved.