“BRING TOM JONES BACK!” — MORE THAN 73,000 FANS RALLY BEHIND SIR TOM JONES AFTER THE VOICE UK EXIT

The music legend says he never wanted to leave the ITV singing competition, while fellow coach will.i.am has backed a growing petition urging bosses to reconsider. But with a new line-up already announced for 2027, will fans’ voices be heard?

A growing campaign to bring Sir Tom Jones back to The Voice UK is gaining momentum, with more than 73,000 verified signatures displayed on a petition calling on ITV to reinstate the legendary singer.

The campaign began after ITV confirmed a major shake-up of the popular singing competition, announcing that Tom would not return as a full-time coach for its 15th series.

For many longtime viewers, the news marked the end of an era. Tom has been one of the show’s most recognisable faces, bringing decades of musical experience, a distinctive voice and his own style of mentorship to aspiring singers.

Now, supporters are making their feelings clear: they want to see him back in the famous red chair.

“I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE”

Tom, the Welsh singer behind classic hits including It’s Not Unusual and What’s New Pussycat?, publicly expressed his disappointment after news of his departure emerged in September 2026.

In a statement shared on Instagram, he wrote: “To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience.”

The 86-year-old singer also said he had been offered a much-reduced role but was unhappy with the proposal. He described the decision as being fired, making clear that leaving the programme was not what he had wanted.

His comments prompted widespread discussion among viewers, many of whom had come to associate him with the show’s coaching panel.

Tom first joined The Voice UK when the programme launched in 2012, alongside Jessie J, Danny O’Donoghue and will.i.am. Although he took a break in 2016, he returned for the sixth series and remained a regular part of the show in subsequent years.

WILL.I.AM ADDS HIS SUPPORT

The campaign has received support from one of Tom’s fellow coaches, will.i.am, who shared the petition on social media.

The move attracted further attention to the effort, with fans welcoming the support from someone who has worked alongside Tom on the programme for years.

The petition was launched on Change.org by superfan Aaron Howlett from Kingston-upon-Hull. It calls on ITV to reconsider its decision and argues that Tom’s experience and guidance have been an important part of the show’s appeal.

The petition’s displayed total had reached 73,794 verified signatures when checked for this article. That figure can change as more people sign.

However, a petition does not oblige a broadcaster to reverse a casting decision, and there has been no confirmed announcement that Tom will return as a coach.

ITV CONFIRMS A NEW LINE-UP FOR 2027

On September 11, ITV announced a refreshed line-up for the programme’s 15th series, which is scheduled to air in 2027.

The new coaching panel will feature rapper Aitch and singer Cheryl, alongside returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am. Presenting duties will be shared by Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon.

In its announcement, ITV thanked Tom for his years on the programme and the memorable moments he had contributed, describing him as “irreplaceable” and recognising the joy he had brought to audiences and contestants.

The broadcaster’s public announcement confirmed the new line-up but did not announce a return for Tom. Earlier reporting, however, quoted a programme spokesperson as saying discussions about possible involvement beyond a full-time coaching role were continuing.

For now, fans have no guarantee that the campaign will change the show’s plans.

THE SHOW FACES A CHALLENGING PERIOD

The controversy comes as The Voice UK undergoes a broader transformation, with changes to both its coaching panel and presenting team.

A report published by The Sun on October 4 said a recent episode attracted fewer than 1.5 million viewers, describing it as the programme’s lowest-ever audience. The report appeared amid the backlash over Tom’s departure, although the viewing figures alone do not establish that his exit caused the decline.

Whether the new line-up will attract viewers back remains to be seen. The programme will need to introduce a different on-screen dynamic while continuing to showcase emerging singers and maintain its audience.

For supporters of Tom, however, the issue goes beyond ratings. They see him as a familiar presence whose musical knowledge and personality helped define the programme across many years.

WILL ITV LISTEN TO THE FANS?

With tens of thousands of signatures collected and will.i.am publicly backing the petition, the campaign has become a visible expression of disappointment among some viewers.

Yet ITV has already announced its plans for the next series, and no reversal has been confirmed.

The coming months will reveal whether the petition leads to further discussions or whether the broadcaster moves ahead with its new coaching panel as planned.

One thing is clear: Tom Jones’ departure has sparked a debate about the role long-serving personalities play in a television programme — and how much influence loyal viewers should have over its future.

Would you like to see Sir Tom Jones return to the red chair, or should The Voice UK move forward with its new line-up?