Sir Tom Jones hits back after revealing he's been 'fired' from The Voice
Tom didn't want to leave!
Last updated 17 hours ago
With reports suggesting ITV/STV bosses are wanting to refresh Saturday night entertainment show The Voice with a new judging panel, which features both Aitch and Cheryl, rumours have been rife that Sir Tom Jones would be leaving the show.
As filming for the 2027 series is expected to get underway in the coming weeks, Sir Tom has now angrily hit back on social media, revealing he was 'fired' and didn't want to leave his role.
In a statement to his fans, 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. Sir Tom Jones'. (sic)
Although bosses are yet to officially confirm the new judging panel for the 2027 series, reports are rife that singer Aitch and Girls Aloud star Cheryl will join the panel alongside will.i.am and Kelly Rowland, with Sir Tom leaving the show alongside 2026 judges Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.
Rumours are also swirling that both Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will be drafted in to replace Emma Willis as host, as she begins her new role on Strictly Come Dancing.
READ MORE: Cheryl set for TV comeback on huge prime time show
Sir Tom first joined the show in 2012 when it first hit our screens here in the UK, going on to mentor three winners, including Leanne Mitchell in series one, Ruti Olajugbagbe in series seven and Anthonia Edwards in series 11.
Although bosses are now offering Tom a 'reduced role', it sounds like he's not keen on taking them up on their offer.
ITV/STV are set to make an official announcement about The Voice UK 2027 in the coming weeks.
Author: Alex Ross
Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.