BREAKINGNEW: Tom Jones Gets Surprise Offer As Backlash Grows Over The Voice Exit
Sir Tom Jones could have another major television opportunity on the horizon after Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas revealed she would love to see him appear on the BBC show.
The Welsh music legend, 86, is set to leave his role as a full-time coach on The Voice ahead of the 2027 series, a decision which sparked disappointment among some viewers.
But while there is no confirmed Strictly job for Sir Tom, Shirley has made it clear she would happily welcome him into the ballroom.
“I want Tom Jones to come on,” she said. “Where is he? The love of my life.”
The comments have prompted speculation over whether the singer could one day appear as a guest performer or even take part as a contestant.
Shirley Ballas Wants Tom in the Ballroom
Shirley has previously spoken about her admiration for Sir Tom and has even joked about wanting to dance a rumba with him.
She once described the rumba as “a vertical expression of a horizontal desire” while praising the singer’s famous “snake-like hips”.
Whether Sir Tom would actually be interested in competing remains unknown, and the source does not report that the BBC has formally approached him.
However, Shirley’s enthusiasm has ensured his name is now being linked with Strictly at a time when the programme itself is undergoing major changes.
The singer’s television future has attracted particular attention following news that he will no longer be a permanent coach on The Voice.
His departure prompted a backlash from some fans who were unhappy to see one of the programme’s longest-standing figures leave.
Strictly Preparing for Major New Era
The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing begins on BBC One this Saturday with a significantly revamped presenting line-up.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are taking over hosting duties as the programme enters a new era.
Shirley believes the changes could make the new series particularly memorable.
“I think this year is going to prove to be iconic, and of course, who wouldn’t get excited about that,” she said.
Although the head judge is enthusiastic about the new series, she admitted she is still learning about some of the celebrities taking part.
“I haven’t quite got there yet,” she said.
Shirley explained that stars often come from completely different areas of entertainment and may not immediately be familiar to everyone.
“You live in your bubble world,” she added.
Shirley Says Viewers Quickly ‘Fall in Love’ With Contestants
Shirley used contestant Dani Dyer as an example of how different celebrity worlds can come together through Strictly.
“I live in my bubble world. Dani Dyer and all these other ones, they all live in their own little bubbles,” she explained.
“And then we get the opportunity to go into their different bubbles.”
She added that familiarity builds quickly once viewers and judges get to know the contestants.
“By the first few weeks, you’re falling in love with people.”
That connection between viewers and celebrities is one of the reasons Shirley remains confident in the programme despite the scale of the changes behind the scenes.
Ballas Confident Strictly Will Remain a Hit
Shirley said she is still amazed by the size of Strictly and the loyalty of its audience.
“I’m still blown away at the size of Strictly,” she said.
She pointed to the programme’s strong television share and argued that its success ultimately belongs to viewers rather than any individual judge or presenter.
“At the end of the day, this show doesn’t belong to me or anybody else,” she said.
“It belongs to the nation and they get to vote.”
She added that the public ultimately decides the winner during the final, saying: “I think that’s how it should be.”
Could Tom Jones Be Next?
For now, any move involving Sir Tom remains firmly in the realm of speculation.
Shirley has clearly made her feelings known, but there is no confirmation that producers have offered him a place on the programme.
Still, following his departure from The Voice, the idea of Sir Tom stepping into the Strictly ballroom would undoubtedly attract attention.
Whether as a special guest, performer or future contestant, his name has now been put firmly into the conversation by one of the show’s most senior figures.
And as Strictly begins a heavily revamped new chapter, Shirley appears more than ready to roll out the red carpet for the Welsh legend.
