TOM JONES TURNS DOWN ‘SUPER GUEST JUDGE’ ROLE AFTER 13 YEARS ON THE VOICE UK — “NO RED CHAIR, NO RETURN?”
TOM JONES TURNS DOWN ‘SUPER GUEST JUDGE’ ROLE AFTER 13 YEARS ON THE VOICE UK — “NO RED CHAIR, NO RETURN?”
Sir Tom Jones is reportedly closing the door on a return to The Voice UK after being offered a reduced role following his departure from the coaching panel.
The 86-year-old Welsh music legend, who has been a familiar face on the singing competition since its launch in 2012, has reportedly rejected an offer to return as a “super guest judge” for the upcoming series. The role would have allowed him to make occasional appearances rather than serve as a full-time coach.
ite refs=A DEPARTURE HE DIDN’T WANT
The news follows Jones’ candid statement in September, when he made it clear that leaving the show was not his decision.
“I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” he said in a statement shared on Instagram.
Jones explained that ITV had cited financial difficulties relating to insurance as the reason for the decision. He also revealed that he had been offered a much-reduced role, which he was not enthusiastic about accepting.
His departure marks a significant change for a programme with which he has been associated for more than a decade.
FANS QUESTION THE SHOW’S DECISION
For many viewers, Jones was more than just another coach. His decades of musical experience, unmistakable voice and straightforward advice helped make him one of the programme’s most recognizable personalities.
His reported decision to decline the guest role is likely to reignite discussion about whether The Voice UK can maintain its familiar appeal without him.
While some viewers welcome a fresh coaching lineup, others have questioned why a performer with such an established musical career was not retained in a more substantial role.
A NEW ERA FOR THE VOICE UK
ITV is preparing a revamped coaching panel for the show’s 15th series, expected to air in 2027. Cheryl and Aitch are among the reported additions, while Kelly Rowland and will.i.am are also expected to feature in the new lineup.
The changes signal a new chapter for the competition, but Jones’ absence will inevitably be noticeable to longtime fans.
ITV previously said it had enjoyed working with the singer and had been in discussions with his team about possible future involvement. The reported rejection of the guest role suggests that a return may now be less likely, although no permanent decision about every possible future appearance has been officially confirmed.
For now, one question continues to divide viewers: Can The Voice UK feel the same without Sir Tom Jones in that iconic red chair?
❤️🎤 After 13 years of unforgettable performances and coaching moments, fans may have to get used to a very different show.
The reported rejection of the guest role was covered by The Sun on October 16, 2026. ITV has not publicly confirmed all the details of the reported offer or its rejection.
