TOM JONES BREAKS HIS SILENCE AFTER SHOCK THE VOICE UK EXIT — ‘I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE’

Sir Tom Jones has broken his silence over his dramatic departure from The Voice UK, revealing that he did not want to leave the ITV singing competition after more than a decade connected to the show.

The Welsh music legend, 86, publicly addressed the decision after ITV announced a major overhaul of the program’s coaching lineup for its upcoming 15th series.

Jones, who has been one of the most recognizable faces associated with The Voice UK, said he was told that ITV had decided to remove him as a full-time coach.

The singer said the decision came as a surprise and claimed he was initially told it was connected to financial difficulties involving insurance.

He also revealed that he had been offered a much smaller role on the next series — but said he was unhappy with the proposal.

‘I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE THE VOICE’

Jones addressed the situation publicly after reports emerged that he would not return as a full-time coach for the next series.

In a statement shared on Instagram, he made it clear that leaving the program had not been his choice.

He said he loved The Voice and appreciated its audience, while explaining that ITV had made the decision some time earlier and that he had only recently been informed.

Jones said he had initially been given a financial explanation relating to insurance.

He later said the explanation presented publicly was that the show wanted to “refresh” its coaching lineup.

According to Jones, ITV offered him the possibility of appearing in a reduced capacity rather than serving as a coach from the beginning of the competition.

The singer said he was not happy with that arrangement.

ITV IS CHANGING THE SHOW

ITV has confirmed that The Voice UK will undergo a major transformation for Series 15.

The broadcaster announced that Cheryl and rapper Aitch will join returning coach will.i.am and returning star Kelly Rowland.

Jones, meanwhile, will no longer be part of the regular four-coach lineup.

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

The new series is scheduled to air in 2027.

ITV publicly thanked Jones for his years with the program, describing his contribution as a major part of the show’s history.

A spokesperson also said that while Jones would no longer be a full-time coach, the production team remained in discussions with him and his representatives about possible involvement in the new series.

That means his relationship with the show may not be completely over.

TOM JONES HAS BEEN PART OF THE SHOW’S HISTORY

Jones was one of the original coaches when The Voice UK launched in 2012.

He coached the show’s first winner, Leanne Mitchell, during the inaugural series.

After the BBC era, Jones later returned to the program when The Voice UK moved to ITV.

Over the years, he shared the famous red chairs with 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 went on to coach additional winners, including Ruti Olajugbagbe and Anthonia Edwards.

His long association with the program made his latest departure particularly striking for longtime viewers.

A MAJOR CHANGE FOR VIEWERS

Jones’ departure is only one part of a much larger transformation.

The upcoming series will feature an entirely different coaching combination, with Cheryl and Aitch joining will.i.am and Kelly Rowland.

The show is also introducing changes to its audition format.

A new feature known as the “Lockdown” button is reportedly being introduced during the Blind Auditions.

The change is designed to come into play when all four coaches turn their chairs for a contestant.

Instead of the singer hearing competing pitches and then choosing a coach, one of the coaches can reportedly use the new button to immediately secure the contestant for their team.

The new system replaces the Rewind button used previously.

The result will be a very different dynamic for contestants and viewers.

JONES WAS STILL PERFORMING IN 2026

Despite the changes at The Voice UK, Jones has continued performing.

His official website reports concerts across the UK and internationally during 2026, including a July performance at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre.

The singer has also continued to appear on The Voice UK during its current run.

In early September, he performed a special version of Leonard Cohen’s “Tower of Song” on the program, creating an emotional moment among the coaches and audience.

His continued touring schedule also demonstrates that his departure from the regular coaching panel does not mark the end of his music career.

A CAREER THAT HAS LASTED MORE THAN SIX DECADES

Tom Jones first became internationally famous during the 1960s with songs including “It’s Not Unusual,” “What’s New Pussycat?” and “Delilah.”

His career has continued across generations.

He has released numerous albums, toured internationally and received major honors for his contribution to music.

He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006.

For millions of viewers, however, his more recent identity has been closely connected with the red chair of The Voice UK.

His combination of experience, humor and blunt coaching style became a familiar part of the program.

Now that era is coming to an end — at least in its current form.

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

Jones’ comments about his departure have added an unexpected personal dimension to ITV’s planned refresh.

Rather than quietly stepping away after more than a decade associated with the show, the singer made clear that he would have preferred to continue.

His statement also highlighted the unusual circumstances of an 86-year-old performer still maintaining a major television role and an active international concert schedule.

The next chapter of The Voice UK will therefore begin without the man who has been one of its most recognizable coaches.

But whether viewers have seen the last of Sir Tom Jones in the famous red chair remains uncertain.

ITV says discussions are continuing about a possible appearance in the new series.

For now, however, one thing is clear:

Tom Jones did not choose to walk away from The Voice UK.

The show chose to move in a different direction — and the next series will reveal what that new era looks like.