Tom Jones Speaks Out After Shocking Firing From ‘The Voice’

Sir Tom Jones is set to leave The Voice UK after 13 seasons as a coach, although he says the decision was ultimately out of his hands.

The 86-year-old singer, who has been part of the competition series since its debut in 2012, claimed he was fired because of a “financial difficulty with insurance.” In a social media statement, Jones said he didn’t want to leave the show and criticized ITV (the show’s U.K. broadcaster) for firing “an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”

“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” he wrote. “ITV made the decision — obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently. The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance.”

 

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He continued, “They now say in the press they want 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.”

A spokesperson for The Voice UK told People, “We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK. Whilst 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.”

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Jones has served as a coach in all but one of The Voice UK‘s 14 seasons (he took a break for Season 5). The currently airing 14th season features a coaching panel of Jones, will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, and McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones. Jones has won the show three times, including the inaugural season with Leanne Mitchell.

Former Voice UK coach Olly Murs commented on Jones’ post, writing, “Love ya TJ. I know how much that show means to you mate. Absolute legend and one of the very best to ever sit in that chair.”

Singer Anne-Marie, who also served as a coach on the show, added, “I love you,” while will.i.am posted a series of crying face emojis.

According to The Sun, singer Cheryl will replace Jones in the famous red chair in Season 15. The outlet also reports that British rapper Aitch will fill the spot currently occupied by McFly. ITV has yet to confirm the Season 15 coach lineup.