The Voice UK is earning some bad press at the moment. According to music icon Tom Jones, the shoe has fired him ahead of the upcoming 2027 season. The decision reportedly comes despite Jones' desire to continue being a judge.
Videos by Wide Open Country
"To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice. I love the show and really appreciate the audience," Jones wrote on Instagram.
According to the legendary hit-maker, ITV had made the decision 'a while ago,' before explaining it was due to a financial issue. As such, Jones has shared that producers offered him a significantly reduced role on the show.
"ITV made this decision - obviously a while ago, and I was just told recently," Jones' post continued. The reason given is a financial difficulty with insurance. 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."
Jones then continued by revealing that ITV had offered him a reduced role on the show. He noted that he wasn't "thrilled" about how that offer played out.
"They are offering a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start. 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."
Tom Jones Had Been a Judge on 'The Voice' for Over a Decade
ITV's decision to part ways with Jones ends his 14-year tenure with The Voice UK. In what is now known to be his final series on the show, Jones, 86, appeared alongside Tom Fletcher and Dann Jones of McFly, Will.I.Am and Kelly Rowland, who is formerly of Destiny's Child.
During his time on The Voice UK, Jones has worked as a coach alongside some huge names. Those names include Rita Ora, Jessie J, and Australian pop star Kylie Minogue. Furthermore, Jones has mentored three artists who have gone on to win the competition. Those artists are: Leanne Mitchell, Ruti Olajugbagbe and Anthonia Edwards.
ITV may be looking to refresh the show, but now, they've run the risk of removing the heart out of it. The Voice without Tom Jones just isn't the same.
