Why Sir Tom Jones Says He Was Fired From The Voice UK

Music legend Sir Tom Jones has spoken out after claiming he was "fired" from his long-standing role as a coach on The Voice UK.

The 86-year-old icon, who has been a pillar of the ITV singing competition since its debut in 2012, shared the news with fans, sparking widespread discussion about the show's future coaching line-up.

What Happened to Sir Tom Jones?

Taking to social media, Sir Tom revealed that ITV decided to part ways with him ahead of the upcoming 2027 series. According to the Welsh singer, the broadcaster initially blamed financial difficulties regarding insurance.

However, conflicting messages emerged when reports suggested the network wanted to "refresh" the format with a brand-new coaching panel, leaving no available red chair for him.

Instead of a full coaching spot, ITV reportedly offered the veteran performer a reduced, appearance-based role—an option Sir Tom admitted he was "not thrilled" about.

"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," he wrote.

Behind the Scenes and Show Status

Despite Sir Tom's candid statements, production insiders have offered a slightly different perspective. Sources close to the production told the Press Association that ITV "absolutely loves working with Sir Tom" and remains hopeful that ongoing talks could still secure his return for the upcoming series.

ITV has yet to release an official formal statement addressing the specific claims.

A Legacy on The Voice UK

Sir Tom's departure marks a major turning point for the UK singing competition. Over his tenure, he has mentored three winning contestants: Leanne Mitchell in the inaugural series, Ruti Olajugbagbe in series seven, and Anthonia Edwards in series 11.

He has shared the red chairs with a rotating roster of massive global stars, including Will.i.am, Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, and Olly Murs. With a career spanning over six decades, multiple Grammy awards, and a knighthood, his presence has long been considered a cornerstone of the show's identity.

As production for the 2027 series approaches, viewers and fans are left waiting to see whether negotiations can salvage a return for the legendary Welsh vocalist.