Fans of The Voice UK are calling on ITV to reverse its decision to drop Sir Tom Jones after his act Cate McHugh was crowned winner in the final, which marked his last appearance as a coach on the show.
The 86-year-old Welsh singer had announced his exit from the singing competition on social media in September, having been part of The Voice since its premiere in 2012. He remained with the series when it moved from the BBC to ITV in 2017, and over the years worked with coaches including Jessie J, Kylie Minogue, Paloma Faith and Olly Murs.
Sir Tom's Statement on Departure
Sir Tom issued a statement saying: "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."
He added: "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 also said: "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."
In response, 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 Coaching Line-Up Announced
It was later announced that only will.i.am and Kelly Rowland would keep their seats from this year's series. Sir Tom and McFly duo Danny and Tom Fletcher were replaced by Manchester rapper Aitch and Girls Aloud singer Cheryl.
A spokesperson said: "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."
Final Victory and Fan Reaction
On Saturday night (October 31), Sir Tom made his final appearance in the final of the 2026 series, and his act Cate McHugh was crowned the winner. The episode also marked Strictly Come Dancing host Emma Willis' final episode, with her being replaced by Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon and Sort Your Life Out's Stacey Solomon.
Sharing her delight on social media after her win, Cate said: "I WON THE VOICE!!! I’m entirely gobsmacked and absolutely haven’t fully processed this information just yet…"
She added: "But from the bottom of my heart I want to say THANK YOU for following my journey, and joining my world! This is where it’s going to REALLY get fun!"
On Instagram, the comments section of a post congratulating both Cate and Sir Tom on her victory saw fans expressing why they still want him back on the judging panel. @sean.williams2101 said: "So glad one of Tom’s Team had won, he had the last laugh hopefully ITV will see this and do a u turn as Sir Tom is the voice." @tvs08 added: "Uv shown them how to do it Tom! Winner! Come back."
@donna_m1969 wrote: "Yeesssssss Congratulations @cate.mchugh well deserved @itv you really want to get rid of @realsirtomjones. He is the voice." @lp.5920 posted: "Congratulations Cate so well deserved. Sir Tom Jones absolutely amazing and a great win. ITV don’t know what they are losing."
@carlarichterich commented: "Congratulations Cate on winning the final. Shame on you ITV for letting the absolute legend that is Sir Tom Jones go. Who won? Oh yeah Sir Tom Jones." @reallifeslays stated: "We voted for Tom just to send a message to ITV. We love you Tom."
