Sir Tom Jones described the BBC as a "cold place" after being dropped from The Voice UK ahead of its fifth series. The veteran performer was one of the original coaches on the panel, alongside will.i.am, Jessie J, and Danny O'Donoghue. After four series, Tom said BBC executives told him his contract would not be renewed.
Shock at the timing
Sir Tom, 86, said he had spent the summer expecting the show to be recommissioned and had heard rumours that Paloma Faith might replace Rita Ora, who had left for ITV's The X Factor. However, with only a month before filming was due to start, Tom claimed producers informed his agent he would not be "invited back", with Boy George taking his place.
The Delilah singer admitted he was left "shocked" by the development. In his 2016 memoir Over The Top and Back, he wrote: "To say I was shocked is to put it mildly." He added: "But my shock wasn't about the fact they had replaced me. My shock was about the way they did it."
'Out of contract' response
Tom acknowledged that "nobody has the right to think of themselves as a permanent fixture", and when his management challenged the decision, he claimed BBC executives responded by stating he was "out of contract". He added: "Indisputable as a bald statement of fact, I guess. But what a cold place the BBC is. Sometimes you wonder whether it is run by humans or a machine in the basement."
Tom said he "liked" watching The Voice itself, and after a one-series break, he rejoined as a judge when the show moved from BBC to ITV. The Voice UK returned to ITV1 for a new series last week, with Emma Willis back on hosting duties just weeks before she makes her debut on Strictly Come Dancing.
New series lineup
Tom returned alongside mentors will.i.am, Tom Fletcher, and Danny Jones. This year, the panel welcomes newcomer Kelly Rowland, who rose to fame as a member of Destiny's Child before pursuing a solo career. The Voice UK airs on ITV1 on Saturdays, and is available on ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
