Sir Tom Jones has publicly challenged ITV’s decision to remove him from The Voice, insisting that he never wanted to leave the singing competition after 13 years as one of its most recognisable coaches.
The 86-year-old music legend addressed the situation directly on social media after reports emerged that the current coaching panel was set for a major overhaul ahead of the 2027 series.
Jones said the decision was made by ITV and claimed he was only informed about it recently, despite suggestions that his departure had been under discussion for some time.
“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” he wrote in a statement shared on Instagram and Facebook.
“ITV made this decision — obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently.”
Singer claims insurance costs were behind decision
Jones also disputed the explanation that the programme simply wanted to refresh its coaching line-up.
According to the veteran performer, the reason initially given to him was related to insurance costs.
“The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance,” Jones said.
He added that ITV had subsequently presented the situation publicly as part of an effort to introduce a new coaching line-up, which would leave no place for him.
Jones also revealed that he had been offered a significantly reduced role on the programme rather than continuing as a full-time coach.
“They now say in the press they wanted to ‘refresh’ the show, and with a new coaching line-up there wouldn’t be a chair for me,” he wrote.
Tom rejects offer of a reduced role
The singer said ITV had suggested that he could still appear on the programme, but only in a limited capacity.
Jones said the proposal would have involved him making an appearance without being involved in the competition from its beginning.
He made clear that he was unhappy with the suggestion.
“They offered me a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I’m not thrilled about that,” he said.
Ending his statement on a pointed note, Jones wrote: “There’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”
ITV has been approached for comment.
ITV previously denied that his exit was final
The dispute comes after reports suggested that The Voice was preparing for a significant change to its coaching line-up.
The current series features Jones alongside Kelly Rowland, will.i.am and McFly members Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.
However, an ITV source previously pushed back against claims that Jones had definitely been removed from the programme, stressing that the broadcaster valued its relationship with him.
“ITV absolutely loves working with Sir Tom. They are in talks with him and are hopeful he will return to the series,” the source said.
Reports now indicate that producers are in negotiations with Cheryl and rapper Aitch ahead of the 2027 edition, which is due to begin filming in Manchester on September 11.
Cheryl and Aitch linked with new-look coaching panel
Cheryl, 43, is reportedly being considered for a return to primetime television after several years away from major television roles.
The former Girls Aloud singer and X Factor judge last appeared in a major television role as a dance captain on the BBC programme The Greatest Dancer in 2020.
She is understood to have been in discussions with The Voice bosses for several months and could potentially join will.i.am, with whom she has a long-standing professional relationship.
Aitch, 26, has meanwhile been tipped as the leading candidate to replace McFly duo Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher, who have already announced their departures from the programme.
Kelly Rowland and will.i.am are also reportedly being considered for continued roles, potentially leaving the revamped panel without a place for Jones.
Jones has experienced a similar dispute before
The latest controversy is not the first time Jones has found himself abruptly removed from The Voice.
He originally joined the programme when it launched on the BBC in 2012 but was dropped three years later and replaced by Boy George.
Jones was openly critical of the way that decision was handled, saying there had been no meaningful discussion with him beforehand.
“This substandard behaviour from the executives is very disappointing,” he wrote at the time.
In a later interview with the Radio Times, Jones described himself as furious over the decision and said he never discovered exactly who had made the call.
“I was p****d off. I never got to the bottom of who made the decision,” he said.
Jones also recalled taking some satisfaction from the programme’s subsequent ratings struggles.
When The Voice moved from the BBC to ITV in 2017, Jones returned to the coaching panel.
Fans rally behind the veteran singer
News of Jones’ possible departure has prompted a strong reaction from viewers and fellow performers, with many fans taking to social media to defend the veteran star.
One supporter told Jones that he was the reason many people watched the programme and argued that the show would lose something important without him.
“You are the reason people watch this programme, Sir Tom. You are the Voice. Always have been, always will be,” the fan wrote.
Television presenter Carol Vorderman also criticised the decision, describing it as a “terrible decision” while praising Jones’ continued ability as a performer.
Singer Karl Loxley, who was part of Jones’ team during the 2015 BBC series, also paid tribute to his former coach.
“The best thing about being on The Voice was getting the chance to work with you. An absolute legend and a true gentleman,” he wrote.
A major overhaul appears to be taking shape
The potential changes would represent another significant reshaping of a programme that has featured 11 celebrity coaches across its 14-year run.
Alongside changes to the coaching panel, reports suggest that the hosting line-up could also be altered.
Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon have reportedly been linked with replacing Emma Willis, who is moving into a new role as the lead presenter of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The programme remains an important part of ITV’s entertainment schedule, attracting approximately two million viewers each week.
Its history also includes a number of successful performers, including Becky Hill, who went on to establish a successful career after appearing on the show.
For now, Jones’ future with The Voice remains at the centre of the programme’s wider shake-up, with the veteran singer making it clear that he did not voluntarily choose to bring his long association with the competition to an end.
