TOM JONES SAYS HE WAS FIRED FROM THE VOICE UK AS ITV UNVEILS NEW COACHING LINEUP

LONDON — Sir Tom Jones says he did not choose to leave The Voice UK, revealing that ITV fired him from the long-running singing competition after more than a decade as one of its most recognizable coaches.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend addressed his departure publicly after reports emerged that ITV was planning a major shake-up of the show’s coaching panel ahead of its 15th series.

Jones said he had been offered a much-reduced role in the program rather than continuing as a full-time coach.

“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 shared with fans.

His comments came just hours after reports suggested ITV remained hopeful that he would return in some capacity.

“THERE’S NEVER A GOOD TIME TO FIRE AN 86-YEAR-OLD”

Jones did not hide his disappointment.

In his statement, he said the reason initially given for his departure was a financial difficulty involving insurance.

He later said that the explanation being presented publicly had changed, with ITV describing the decision as part of an effort to “refresh” the show with a new coaching lineup.

Jones said he had been offered a smaller role that would allow him to make appearances but would not involve him coaching contestants from the beginning of the competition.

He concluded with a pointed remark:

“There’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”

His comments quickly drew attention because they appeared to contradict the more diplomatic language surrounding his departure.

ITV THANKS TOM JONES

ITV subsequently confirmed that Jones would not return as a full-time coach for Series 15, which is scheduled to air in 2027.

In an official statement, the broadcaster thanked the singer for his years on the program and described him as “irreplaceable.”

ITV said Jones had given audiences and contestants countless memorable moments throughout his time on the show.

The broadcaster also thanked Emma Willis, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, who are also leaving their regular roles.

ITV’s statement did not use the word “fired” to describe Jones’s departure.

Instead, it presented the change as part of a new lineup for the next series.

That lineup will feature Cheryl, Aitch, Kelly Rowland and will.i.am as coaches, with Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon taking over as hosts.

A 14-YEAR CONNECTION TO THE SHOW

Jones has been associated with The Voice UK since its launch in 2012.

He originally appeared on the BBC version of the program before returning after a brief absence and continuing when the show moved to ITV.

Across his years on the competition, Jones coached alongside some of the biggest names in pop music, including Jessie J, Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Olly Murs, will.i.am and Kelly Rowland.

He also coached three winners of the competition: Leanne Mitchell, the winner of the first series; Ruti Olajugbagbe, who won Series 7; and Anthonia Edwards, winner of Series 11.

For many viewers, Jones became closely associated with the identity of the program itself.

His relationship with fellow coaches, particularly will.i.am, also became a recurring part of the show’s appeal.

REPORTS OF A SHAKE-UP CAME FIRST

Before Jones publicly confirmed his departure, reports had suggested that ITV was considering reducing his role.

On September 8, reports indicated that producers were exploring ways to keep Jones connected to the program without giving him his own coaching chair.

At that stage, an ITV source said the broadcaster “absolutely loves working with Sir Tom” and was hopeful he would return.

Jones’s subsequent statement changed the picture.

Rather than describing the situation as a voluntary departure, he made clear that he wanted to remain on The Voice UK.

THE NEW ERA OF THE VOICE UK

ITV formally announced its Series 15 lineup on September 11.

Cheryl and Aitch will make their coaching debuts on the new series, joining returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will serve as hosts.

The new season is scheduled to broadcast in 2027.

The changes represent one of the biggest lineup transformations in the show’s recent history.

Jones is not the only familiar face leaving.

Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones of McFly are also departing the coaching panel, while Emma Willis is leaving her hosting position.

FANS REACT TO JONES’ EXIT

Jones’s departure has generated significant reaction among fans.

A petition calling for him to be reinstated reportedly passed 65,000 signatures by September 24, according to Far Out Magazine. The campaign was started by fan Aaron Howlett and subsequently received public support from will.i.am.

Support for Jones has also appeared across social media, with fans criticizing the decision and calling for the veteran singer to return.

Those reactions are separate from ITV’s official position, however, and do not change the broadcaster’s announced Series 15 lineup.

WILL TOM JONES RETURN IN SOME FORM?

There is still a small opening for Jones to remain connected to the franchise.

ITV said it continues to speak with Jones and his team about his possible involvement in the next series, while confirming that he will not be a full-time coach.

That leaves open the possibility of an appearance or other limited role, although no specific arrangement has been officially confirmed.

For now, the four red chairs belong to Cheryl, Aitch, Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

And after 14 years of coaching singers on the program, one of the show’s most familiar faces will no longer occupy one of them.

A VERY PUBLIC GOODBYE

Tom Jones’s exit is therefore more complicated than a simple retirement from television.

ITV describes the change as a new chapter for The Voice UK, while Jones has made clear that he wanted to remain part of the show.

The singer, whose career has lasted more than six decades, now faces the end of his full-time role on one of his most recognizable television appearances.

Whether he ultimately returns for a special appearance remains to be seen.

But for Series 15, ITV has already made its decision.

The red chair that belonged to Sir Tom Jones for so many years will belong to someone else.