Sir Tom Jones has claimed he was ‘fired’ from The Voice UK after ITV addressed his exit after a decade on the show.
ITV bosses were said to want a major shake-up of the coaching line-up, with plans for the Welsh singer to instead feature in a ‘different capacity’.
However, Sir Tom, 86, has now shared a statement firmly stating he ‘did not want to leave’ the singing competition.
On social media, he wrote: ‘To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience.’
The Not Unusual legend continued: ‘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.
‘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.’
Sir Tom explained that he had been offered a ‘much reduced’ role, in which he would make an appearance but wouldn’t be involved for the whole show.
‘I’m not thrilled about that,’ he wrote. ‘So the only thing I know right now, is that there’s never a good time to fire and 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job’.
ITV has not yet responded to Sir Tom’s statement but Metro has reached out for comment.
The singer had been a mentor on the programme since it first aired in 2012, alongside Will.I.Am, Jessie J and The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue.
Since then, he has worked with various coaches including Kylie Minogue, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith and Jennifer Hudson.
Sir Tom’s statement is in response to The Sun’s reporting, in which a source said: ‘ITV absolutely love Sir Tom and they’re working very hard behind the scenes to make this work.’
![From Lifted Entertainment The Voice UK: SR9 on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: SR. TOM JONES, DANNY JONES, KELLY ROWLAND, WILL.I.AM, TOM FLETCHER. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For more information please contact liberty.warner@itv.com](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SEI_307606522-865b.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Another source added: ‘Everyone loves Sir Tom but there was a feeling that the upcoming series needed a major refresh.’
A show insider had previously told Metro: ‘ITV absolutely loves working with Sir Tom. They are in talks with him and are hopeful he will return to the series.’
The news comes as the first-ever judge duo, Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher of McFly, were confirmed to be leaving the show.
The newest series of the singing competition is also making another addition behind the scenes, with Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon announced as new presenters.
They’re set to replace Emma Willis, who landed the coveted Strictly Come Dancing presenting gig.
Filming for the latest new-look series will begin in Manchester on Friday, with it expected to air next year.
Metro has reached out to ITV for a comment in response to Sir Tom’s statement.