TOM JONES SAYS HE WAS ‘FIRED’ FROM THE VOICE UK AS ITV UNVEILS NEW COACHING LINE-UP

Sir Tom Jones has spoken out after being removed as a full-time coach from The Voice UK, saying he did not want to leave the popular singing competition and claiming ITV initially gave financial difficulties surrounding insurance as the reason.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend addressed his departure publicly after reports emerged that the show was preparing for a major change to its coaching panel ahead of its 15th series.

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

‘I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE’

Jones said ITV had made the decision some time earlier but that he had only recently been informed.

According to the singer, the reason initially given to him was “financial difficulty with insurance.”

He said ITV was now publicly describing the change as an effort to “refresh” the programme with a new coaching line-up.

Jones also claimed he had been offered a much smaller role on the next series, in which he would make an appearance without being involved with a team of contestants from the beginning.

He said he was not pleased with the proposal.

The singer then delivered a pointed response, saying there was “never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”

ITV CONFIRMS HE WILL NOT RETURN AS A FULL-TIME COACH

ITV did not use the word “fired” in its response.

A spokesperson said the broadcaster had “loved working with Sir Tom Jones” and confirmed that he would no longer be a full-time coach for series 15.

However, ITV said discussions with Jones and his team about his possible involvement in the next series were continuing.

The broadcaster subsequently announced the new line-up for the 2027 season.

Aitch and Cheryl will make their coaching debuts, joining returning coach Kelly Rowland and longtime coach will.i.am.

ITV also confirmed that Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over as hosts.

The broadcaster thanked Jones for his years on the programme, describing him as an important part of The Voice UK and praising the moments he had created for audiences and performers.

A LONG HISTORY WITH THE SHOW

Jones has been closely associated with The Voice UK since the programme launched in 2012.

He served as a coach during the show’s early years before briefly leaving and later returning after the programme moved from BBC One to ITV.

During his time on the show, Jones coached several successful contestants and helped three acts go on to win their respective series: Leanne Mitchell, Ruti Olajugbagbe and Anthonia Edwards.

His latest stint has seen him sit alongside major music names including will.i.am and Kelly Rowland, as well as McFly members Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

A NEW ERA FOR THE VOICE UK

The shake-up means that Jones will not occupy one of the famous red chairs when series 15 airs in 2027.

ITV also confirmed that Emma Willis, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones will not return in their previous regular roles.

The broadcaster said the new coaching panel would bring together a mixture of established international stars and new faces as the programme searches for its next generation of singers.

For Jones, however, the departure has clearly been more complicated than a simple decision to step away.

While ITV has left the door open to some form of future involvement, Jones has made it clear that he wanted to remain a full-time coach.

After more than a decade associated with The Voice UK, the question now is whether the legendary singer will eventually return to the programme in another capacity — or whether his time in the famous red chair has finally come to an end.