Veteran Welsh singer Sir Tom Jones has revealed that he did not voluntarily leave The Voice UK. He said ITV made the decision to remove him from the programme’s coaching panel.
According to BBC News, the 86-year-old singer said he only recently learned of the broadcaster’s decision. He had believed it had been made some time earlier.
“To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” Jones said.
The singer, who has appeared as an on-and-off coach since the talent show launched in 2012, said he was initially told the decision was connected to financial issues involving insurance.
“The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance,” he said.
Jones unhappy with reduced role
Jones said ITV later spoke about refreshing the programme with a new coaching line-up. As a result, there was no full-time coaching position available for him.
He revealed that producers instead offered him a significantly reduced role. This role would involve occasional appearances rather than participating throughout the competition.
“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,” he said.
The singer also appeared to take issue with the manner in which the decision was communicated.
“There’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job,” Jones added.
ITV confirms coaching exit
The Voice UK has confirmed that Jones will not return as a full-time coach for the programme’s 15th series.
However, ITV said discussions with the singer and his team were continuing. Talks focused on the possibility of him remaining involved in another capacity.
Jones has spent more than a decade associated with The Voice UK. He has become one of its most recognisable coaches.
His departure marks another major change to the programme as producers prepare a refreshed coaching line-up for the next series.
