Sir Tom Jones hits out at ITV in explosive statement for axing '86-year-old who's still good at his job'
Sir Tom Jones has hit out at ITV following reports he was 'dropped as a judge' on popular TV series The Voice, with the singer saying he did not want to leave and that the broadcaster had "made the decision".
He claimed he was told a different explanation by the broadcaster as to why he has been removed from his position, which he has held for 13 of the talent show's 14 seasons, only missing 2016.
Taking to X in his response to the decision on Tuesday, September 8, the Welsh crooner said: "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.
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"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.
"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."
A show source said earlier on Tuesday: "ITV absolutely loves working with Sir Tom. They are in talks with him and are hopeful he will return to the series."
The singer, whose hits include songs like It’s Not Unusual and What’s New Pussycat?, has faced speculation that he will be “dropped” from the 2027 series, which reports say will begin production soon.
He has featured as a coach on The Voice UK with McFly's Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, as well as US rapper Will.i.am and Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland.
He has mentored three winners on the programme: Leanne Mitchell in series one, Ruti Olajugbagbe in series seven, and Anthonia Edwards in series 11.
Reports earlier in the week suggested that Cheryl is among the famous names who may feature on the judging panel when the show returns, with Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland also named, according to The Metro.
He received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for his services to music.
The Voice was first aired on BBC One in 2012, with ITV going on to acquire rights for the sixth series.
A show spokesperson said: "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."
Daniel Murphy