Sir Tom Jones, the 86-year-old Welsh singer and longtime coach on The Voice UK, says he was fired by ITV and claims the network cited financial difficulty with insurance as the reason for his removal.
In a statement posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Jones said he was told just recently about ITV’s decision to not renew him as a coach for the show’s upcoming 15th season. He added that the network had offered him a reduced role involving appearances but without full participation from the start.
"I did not want to leave The Voice UK," Jones wrote. "I love the show and really appreciate the audience. ITV made this decision — obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently."
ITV confirms Jones will not return as a full-time coach
ITV, the broadcaster behind The Voice UK, issued a statement acknowledging Jones’s departure but did not address his claim about insurance-related financial difficulties. The network stated:
"We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK. While he will no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, we continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series."
Jones has been a coach on The Voice UK since its debut in 2012, though he was previously benched for the show’s fifth season. He is currently featured as a coach in the ongoing 14th season, alongside will.i.am, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones (of McFly), and Kelly Rowland.
Jones criticizes ITV’s decision and offered role
In his statement, Jones expressed dissatisfaction with the network’s decision and the alternative role they proposed. He wrote:
"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. 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."
He added a pointed remark about his age and career longevity:
"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."
Network cites show refresh as reason for changes
Insiders cited by the Daily Mail reported that The Voice UK is undergoing a major shakeup, with ITV seeking to refresh the coaching panel. The current season features Jones alongside Kelly Rowland, will.i.am, and the duo Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones from McFly.
The Daily Mail also reported that ITV is in talks to bring former X Factor judge Cheryl and rapper Aitch onto the panel for a potential 2027 series, while retaining Rowland and will.i.am. If confirmed, this would leave no room for Jones in a full-time coaching role.
Jones remains active on current season
Despite his removal from the upcoming season, Jones is still listed as a coach for the ongoing 14th season of The Voice UK, which is currently airing. The network has not yet announced the full lineup of coaches for the 15th season.
Jones has won The Voice UK three times as a mentor, guiding multiple artists to victory during his tenure. His departure marks the end of a 13-year run on the show.