“THE RED CHAIR IS STILL HIS”: SIR TOM JONES’ SHOCK EXIT FROM THE VOICE UK SPARKS FAN BACKLASH

The 86-year-old music legend says he was not ready to leave the singing competition, as ITV prepares a major shake-up for its 2027 series and the programme reportedly records its lowest-ever Saturday audience.

For more than a decade, Sir Tom Jones has been one of the most recognisable faces on The Voice UK. His unmistakable voice, straight-talking advice and memorable moments in the famous red chair helped make him a familiar presence for viewers.

But now, the legendary Welsh singer will no longer serve as a full-time coach when the ITV singing competition returns for its 15th series in 2027 — and his departure has sparked a debate about the future of the programme.

The most striking part of the story is that Jones says leaving was never his choice.

In a statement shared on Instagram in September 2026, the 86-year-old made his position clear: “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 informed him only recently. According to the singer, the reason initially given to him involved financial difficulties relating to insurance.

He also questioned the broadcaster’s explanation that the programme needed a refreshed coaching line-up, saying the changes meant there would no longer be a place for him in the panel.

A reduced role was not what he wanted

Jones revealed that he had been offered a much smaller role involving an appearance on the programme without being involved from the beginning.

However, the singer said he was not enthusiastic about that arrangement.

His departure marks another significant change for a programme he has been associated with since its debut in 2012. Although he missed the fifth series, Jones returned to the coaching panel and remained one of its most enduring personalities.

During his time on the show, he helped mentor three winning acts: Leanne Mitchell, Ruti Olajugbagbe and Anthonia Edwards.

For many viewers, his contribution went beyond choosing singers for his team. His experience as a performer gave him a distinctive perspective, while his exchanges with fellow coaches often became part of the programme’s appeal.

Jones has enjoyed a career spanning decades, with international hits including It’s Not Unusual and What’s New Pussycat? His continued presence on television introduced his music and personality to audiences across generations.

ITV confirms a new era for The Voice UK

ITV officially announced a new line-up on September 11, confirming that the 2027 series would feature major changes both on and off the coaching panel.

Cheryl and rapper Aitch will join the programme as new coaches, alongside returning coach Kelly Rowland and long-standing panel member will.i.am.

Meanwhile, Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over hosting duties for the new series.

The broadcaster also thanked Jones for his contribution, describing him as irreplaceable and acknowledging the memorable moments he had brought to the show and its contestants.

In a statement, an ITV spokesperson said the broadcaster had loved working with the singer over the years and confirmed that discussions about possible future involvement were continuing.

That leaves open the possibility of some form of appearance, but Jones will not return as a full-time coach for Series 15 as things stand.

Ratings add to the questions surrounding the show

The controversy surrounding Jones’ departure has coincided with disappointing viewing figures.

According to a report published by The Sun on October 4, The Voice UK attracted fewer than 1.5 million viewers for its latest Saturday episode, reportedly its lowest audience figure to date. The programme once drew audiences of around 8.5 million during its earlier years.

The figures have prompted fresh discussion about whether the singing competition can maintain its appeal as it changes its coaching panel and presentation.

However, the available ratings figures do not establish that Jones’ departure alone caused the decline. Changes in television viewing habits, competition from other programmes and wider audience trends may also play a role.

Nevertheless, the timing has given the debate extra momentum. Some fans have questioned whether removing such a familiar personality is the right move, while others will be waiting to see whether the incoming line-up can attract a new generation of viewers.

The challenge for ITV will be to make the programme feel fresh without losing the qualities that made audiences connect with it in the first place.

Fellow musicians and fans speak out

Jones’ departure has also drawn reactions from people in the music industry.

Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia, who supported Jones on tour, said she was saddened by the news and questioned the decision. Her comments added to the public discussion about the treatment of a performer who has remained active late into his career.

For supporters, the issue is not simply about one coach being replaced. It is about the loss of a familiar presence whose experience and personality have become closely associated with the programme.

Others may welcome the opportunity for new coaches to bring different musical styles and perspectives to the competition. With Cheryl, Aitch, Kelly Rowland and will.i.am forming the new panel, the next series will have a distinctly different dynamic.

Whether that change proves successful remains to be seen.

Will Tom Jones ever return to the red chair?

For now, the future of Jones’ relationship with The Voice UK remains uncertain.

ITV has left the door open to further discussions, but there has been no confirmation that he will return as a coach in the upcoming series.

His own message, however, leaves little doubt about how much the programme means to him. He said he loved the show and appreciated its audience — a statement that has resonated with fans who have watched him mentor aspiring singers for years.

As the programme prepares for its next chapter, one question continues to follow the announcement: can The Voice UK move forward without one of its most familiar coaches, or will viewers continue to call for the return of the man who made that red chair his own?

What do you think? Should ITV bring Sir Tom Jones back to The Voice UK, or is it time for a new generation of coaches? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Sources for further reading:

• ITV official announcement: https://www.itv.com/presscentre/presscentre/presscentre/media-releases/itv-reveals-new-line-voice-uk
• PEOPLE report on Jones’ statement: https://people.com/tom-jones-says-he-was-fired-from-the-voice-uk-12111260
• The Independent on the new line-up: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/itv-voice-tom-jones-cheryl-stacey-solomon-b3048708.html
• The Sun report on viewing figures: https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/40576603/voice-uk-lowest-ever-ratings-after-tom-jones-axing/