‘I was just told’- Tom Jones breaks silence on The Voice exit as he takes aim at ITV
Sir Tom Jones has spoken out about his departure from The Voice UK after 13 years, making clear that leaving the ITV talent show was not his decision.
The 86-year-old singer addressed fans directly on Instagram after reports emerged that he would no longer have one of the programme’s famous red chairs.
“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” Sir Tom wrote.
He claimed ITV had made the decision some time ago but only informed him recently.
“ITV made this decision – obviously a while ago, and I was just told recently,” he said.
The Welsh music legend also suggested that the explanation initially given to him differed from the “refresh” narrative later reported publicly.
Sir Tom Says He Was Offered Smaller Role
According to Sir Tom, the original reason given for his departure related to insurance and finances.
“The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance,” he wrote.
“They now say in the press that they wanted to ‘refresh’ the show, and with a new coaching line-up, there wouldn’t be a chair for me.”
Sir Tom added that he had been offered the possibility of appearing in a reduced capacity rather than returning as a full coach.
“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 said.
He then ended the statement with a pointed line about the situation.
“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.”
The message was signed simply: “Sir Tom Jones.”
ITV Source Says Talks Are Continuing
Despite Sir Tom’s strong wording, an ITV source told the Daily Express that the broadcaster still hopes to work with him.
“ITV absolutely loves working with Sir Tom,” the source said.
“They are in talks with him and are hopeful he will return to the series.”
ITV was approached for further comment.
Another insider told The Sun that discussions were continuing behind the scenes over how Sir Tom could remain involved.
“Everyone loves Sir Tom, but there was a feeling that the upcoming series needed a major refresh,” the source said.
With Aitch and Cheryl reportedly joining the programme and Kelly returning alongside will.i.am, the source claimed there was no full-time coaching seat available for Sir Tom.
The insider added that producers were exploring a smaller role because Sir Tom still wanted to be involved in discovering new talent.
That leaves his future on the show not entirely settled, even though he has made clear he is unhappy with the proposed change.
Fans Rally Behind Sir Tom
Reaction from viewers was immediate, with many saying Sir Tom had been one of the main reasons they continued watching the show.
One fan wrote: “You would always be the coach I would pick, maybe we could start a ‘Sir Tom Show’.”
Another added: “So upset, you were the reason I watched it!!!”
A third declared: “Sir Tom Jones is the Voice. There will be no Voice without you.”
One viewer also joked about the irony of losing one of the show’s most famous singers, while another demanded that The Voice UK “give Sir Tom his chair back immediately.”
EastEnders actress Diane Parish also reacted, writing: “Yup. I’m out.”
End of a Major Voice Era
Sir Tom has been closely associated with The Voice UK for more than a decade and has become one of its most recognisable coaches.
His performances, emotional moments with contestants and decades of experience have made him a central part of the programme’s identity.
That is why his claim that he was effectively removed from the coaching line-up has landed so strongly with fans.
For now, ITV sources insist discussions are still taking place, while Sir Tom has made his own position unmistakably clear: he did not choose to leave, he still loves the show and he is not enthusiastic about returning only in a reduced capacity.
Whether those talks produce a compromise remains unresolved, but his message has ensured that his departure will not be viewed as a quiet or voluntary farewell.
