Sir Tom Jones has broken his silence after learning that he will no longer return as a full-time coach on The Voice UK, saying the decision was made by ITV and that he was only informed recently.

The 86-year-old Welsh singer said he was told the reason for the decision involved “financial difficulty with insurance.” He also claimed that ITV later described the move as part of an effort to “refresh” the coaching lineup.

Jones made clear that leaving the programme was not his choice. He said he loves the show and its audience, but was disappointed after being offered a much-reduced role that would involve appearing on the programme without taking part from the beginning.

ITV, however, has presented a different emphasis. A spokesperson said the broadcaster has loved working with Jones over the past nine years and confirmed that he will no longer be a full-time coach for series 15, while discussions about a possible role for him are continuing.

Jones has been closely ᴀssociated with The Voice UK since its launch in 2012, appearing on and off as a coach and mentoring three eventual winners. His departure therefore marks a major change for a programme where he has become one of its most recognizable faces.

His final comment about the situation has attracted particular attention. Jones essentially argued that, even at 86, he still believes he has plenty to offer — making his unexpected exit all the more difficult for him to accept.

Meanwhile, the next series is expected to feature a significantly refreshed coaching lineup, meaning viewers could be seeing a very different Voice UK when the new season arrives.

For fans who have watched Tom Jones occupy that red chair for years, one question now remains:

Was this really the end of Sir Tom Jones on ‘The Voice UK’ — or could ITV still find a way to bring the legendary singer back?

Sources:
• Los Angeles Times – Tom Jones says he was fired from ‘The Voice UK’