Sir Tom Jones has confirmed he is leaving The Voice UK after the current series, saying ITV has shown him the door. In a statement, the 86-year-old singer expressed anger at his dismissal, calling it a firing of someone who is good at his job.
A Metro columnist argues that removing Sir Tom is a 'colossal mistake' that could prove fatal for the show. The Voice UK's ratings have fallen sharply since it launched on the BBC in 2012, when it attracted around 8 million viewers per episode; now it draws in little more than a quarter of that.
Lack of star power
The show has never produced major stars, with the exception of series 1 semi-finalist Becky Hill, who arguably succeeded despite The Voice rather than because of it. The judging panel has rotated frequently, but Sir Tom Jones (who missed only one season) and will.i.am (who has not missed any) have been constants, lending the show credibility.
In the US, The Voice has been a bigger hit and is entering its 30th season with a panel including Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, Queen Latifah, and Riley Green. In the UK, Sir Tom is described as the only British star giving the panel real credibility.
Replacement rumours
He is tipped to be replaced by Cheryl and Aitch, with Kelly Rowland already confirmed for the new line-up. The columnist says bringing Cheryl back to reality TV could be a 'stroke of genius', but the panel still lacks star power. Aitch, despite his popularity, has not earned a spot in a chair occupied by some of the biggest artists of all time.
The last series the columnist invested in was when Kevin Simm was crowned champion, with a panel including will.i.am, Paloma Faith, Boy George, and Ricky Wilson. A decade later, the show has lost its purpose, and getting rid of Sir Tom exacerbates the problem.
Impact on ratings
The Voice UK has largely avoided controversy, unlike rival The X Factor, and has always been about talent rather than drama. Without Sir Tom, the show is 'crying out' for an artist of his stature. If ITV wants to salvage its Saturday night ratings, which earlier this year sank to an all-time low across all channels, sacking Sir Tom is not the answer.
