“THE RED CHAIR IS STILL HIS… SO WHY IS TOM JONES LEAVING?”

Sir Tom Jones says he never wanted to leave The Voice UK — and now a growing fan campaign is asking ITV to reconsider its decision. Could the show’s biggest shake-up leave viewers missing one of its most familiar faces?

For more than a decade, Sir Tom Jones has been a familiar presence on The Voice UK. His unmistakable voice, sharp observations and warm interactions with contestants helped make him a recognisable part of the programme.

But as the singing competition prepares for a new chapter, the 86-year-old Welsh music legend will no longer return as a full-time coach for its next series.

And he has made one thing clear: leaving was not his choice.

“I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE”

In September 2026, Tom addressed the news publicly, explaining that he loved the show and appreciated its audience.

He said ITV had told him the programme wanted to refresh its coaching line-up. According to Tom, he was also offered a significantly reduced role, but it was not an arrangement he wanted to accept.

His comments surprised many viewers, particularly those who had watched him guide aspiring singers since the programme began in 2012.

ITV, meanwhile, thanked the star for his years on the show and the memorable moments he had helped create. A spokesperson said discussions about possible future involvement were continuing, although he would not return as a full-time coach for the next series.

The difference between the broadcaster’s explanation and Tom’s account has added another layer to a departure that fans already found difficult to accept.

FANS LAUNCH A CAMPAIGN TO BRING HIM BACK

Supporters quickly took their disappointment online, with fan Aaron Howlett launching a Change.org petition calling for Tom to be reinstated.

The campaign attracted tens of thousands of signatures, while fellow coach will.i.am also publicly backed the appeal.

For supporters, the issue goes beyond the loss of a famous face. They believe Tom’s experience, musical knowledge and connection with contestants have been an important part of the programme’s identity.

His departure has also prompted comparisons with previous coaching changes, with some viewers questioning whether a new line-up can recreate the chemistry they have come to expect.

However, the petition represents the views of its supporters and does not establish that ITV will reverse its decision.

A RATINGS HEADLINE ADDS TO THE DEBATE

The controversy intensified after reports that a recent Saturday episode attracted fewer than 1.5 million viewers, described by The Sun as the programme’s lowest audience figure on record.

Some fans have connected the ratings concerns with Tom’s departure and the wider changes at ITV. But viewing figures alone cannot establish that his exit caused the decline; scheduling, competition from other programmes and changes in viewing habits may also play a part.

Still, the numbers have given supporters another reason to question what the next series will look like.

For ITV, the challenge is to introduce a refreshed format while retaining the qualities that have kept audiences returning over the years.

A NEW ERA FOR THE VOICE UK

The upcoming series is expected to bring substantial changes to both the coaching panel and the presenting team, including Cheryl and Aitch joining the line-up alongside returning coaches will.i.am and Kelly Rowland.

The changes mark a new direction for a programme that has evolved repeatedly since its debut.

Whether the revamped format will win over viewers remains to be seen. What is already clear is that Tom’s departure has generated a passionate response from people who regard him as more than just another coach.

For them, his red chair represents years of music, memorable auditions and the excitement of watching an experienced performer recognise a voice worth championing.

WILL TOM JONES EVER RETURN?

At present, there has been no confirmed announcement that Tom will return as a full-time coach. ITV has indicated that discussions about other possible involvement have continued, leaving open the possibility of a future connection without guaranteeing one.

For now, fans are making their feelings known — signing petitions, sharing memories and asking the broadcaster to reconsider.

The next series will reveal how audiences respond to the new line-up. But the reaction to Tom’s exit has already demonstrated how strongly viewers can connect with a familiar television personality.

Would you like to see Sir Tom Jones return to The Voice UK? Share your thoughts in the comments below.