Sir Tom Jones has addressed his upcoming departure from The Voice UK, saying the decision was not his own and that he was told financial difficulties involving insurance were behind the change. The 86-year-old singer shared his explanation on Instagram on September 8, shortly after ITV’s plans for the next series became public.
Jones said he was informed that ITV no longer planned to have him serve as a full-time coach, despite his long association with the singing competition. He also pushed back against reports that the network simply wanted to refresh the coaching lineup, making clear that he would have preferred to remain in his chair.
Tom Jones Says Insurance Costs Led to His Voice UK Departure
In his Instagram statement, Jones explained that he was told his exit was connected to “financial difficulty with insurance.” He added that ITV had made the decision some time ago but only informed him recently.
“To be clear, I did not want to leave ‘The Voice’ as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,”
Jones wrote.
Jones also revealed that producers had discussed keeping him involved in a significantly smaller capacity. Under that proposal, he could make an appearance but would not participate as a full-time coach from the beginning of the competition.
He made his feelings about that arrangement clear, saying he was “not thrilled about that.” Jones then acknowledged the unusual circumstances surrounding his departure, writing,
“there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”
ITV has offered a different emphasis when discussing the change. In a statement to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, an ITV spokesperson said the network had
“loved working with Sir Tom Jones”
and confirmed that he would no longer be a full-time coach for Series 15.
The network also said discussions with Jones and his team about his involvement in the next season are continuing, leaving open the possibility of him appearing in another capacity.
Jones has been a defining presence on The Voice UK since its launch in 2012. During his 14 seasons as a coach, he won the competition three times with Leanne Mitchell, Ruti Olajugbagbe and Anthonia Edwards.
His departure would also leave will.i.am as the only original coach from the UK edition still associated with the show. ITV’s most recent lineup included Jones, will.i.am, McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, alongside Kelly Rowland, who joined the coaching panel for the latest series.
