ITV has issued a message to Sir Tom Jones as his replacements on The Voice UK were revealed. The 86-year-old Welsh singer announced his exit from the singing competition on social media earlier in the week. He had been part of The Voice since its premiere in 2012.
Sir Tom's exit and ITV's response
Sticking with the series when it moved from the BBC to ITV in 2017, Sir Tom was frequently seen judging the blind auditions. Over the years he has worked with the likes of Jessie J, Kylie Minogue, Paloma Faith and Olly Murs on the series.
Sir Tom can currently be found on the show's 14th series, which began airing last month. Also serving on the judging panel is will.i.am, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Kelly Rowland, who replaced LeAnn Rimes.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday (September 8), Sir Tom issued a statement addressing the rumours that he may not return for the upcoming series, which won't air until 2027. His comments arrived on the back of reports that he would be leaving the programme following a shake-up to the judging panel.
Sir Tom wrote: "To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. 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."
"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. 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."
Responding to his comments, ITV said at the time: "We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK. While he will no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, we continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series."
New coaches and hosts announced
On Friday (September 11), ITV revealed their line-up for The Voice series 15, with Sir Tom nowhere to be seen. While will.i.am and Kelly keep their seats, Sir Tom and Mcfly duo Danny and Tom [Fletcher], are officially no longer part of the series.
Replacing them is Girls Aloud singer Cheryl and Manchester rapper Aitch, real name Harrison James Armstrong. The news marks Cheryl's return to ITV, with her previously serving as judge on The X Factor.
An ITV spokesperson said: "The famous red chairs will see the arrival of two musical forces making their debut as coaches. Platinum-selling rap artist Aitch and global pop icon Cheryl are set to begin their hunt for the nation's next vocal powerhouse."
"These new additions will take their places alongside international superstar Kelly Rowland, who makes her highly anticipated return for a second series as a coach. They join long-standing The Voice UK legend will.i.am."
The ITV spokesperson went on to issue a message to Sir Tom, stating: "ITV would like to thank the irreplaceable Sir Tom Jones for all his years on The Voice UK, and the countless incredible and unforgettable moments he gave the show. He has brought joy to audiences, and to every singer who performed for him and with him."
On top of Sir Tom's exit, it was revealed that Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon and Sort Your Life Out's Stacey Solomon are replacing Emma Willis as the show's hosts. Emma, who is one of three new Strictly Come Dancing presenters, has worked on The Voice since 2014.
"We also thank Emma Willis, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones for their brilliant contributions, and who all brought so much dedication, expertise and energy to The Voice UK and wish them the very best of luck as they embark on their next chapters…"
"Series 15 of The Voice UK will broadcast in 2027," the ITV spokesperson noted.
