Sir Tom Jones has turned his chair on ITV.
Hours after reports claimed the 86-year-old would no longer serve as a full-time coach on ‘The Voice UK,’ the music legend has broken his silence and made one point emphatically clear: he did not choose to leave.
Indeed, Jones says ITV fired him from the role and has revealed the reason he was given for the decision.
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In a newly shared statement, the veteran performer said he was only informed recently that he would not have a chair for the 2027 series, despite believing ITV made the decision some time ago.
Most notably, Jones claims the explanation given to him centered on the cost of insurance.
He wrote:
“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. ITV made this decision – obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently. The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance.”
Addressing reports that the shake-up was instead about “refreshing” the show, Jones confirmed he has been offered a significantly reduced role, but isn’t enthused by the proposal.
He added:
“They are offering 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. So the only thing I know right now, is that there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”
And the timing makes the revelation all the more striking.
Jones is currently appearing in the 2026 series alongside will.i.am, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, and Kelly Rowland, with new episodes still airing as of writing on ITV.
He has been part of the format since its 2012 launch, barring one season after the BBC controversially dropped him in 2015. ITV brought him back when it inherited the show in 2017.
For 2027, reports point to a major overhaul, with Cheryl and Aitch joining returning coaches Rowland and will.i.am. ITV had said it was in talks with Jones and “hopeful” he would remain involved.
His statement makes clear, however, that whatever is being offered isn’t the job he wanted to keep.
Yikes!
