Tom Jones Says ITV Fired Him From The Voice UK Over Insurance Costs

Sir Tom Jones says ITV decided to remove him from The Voice UK despite his desire to remain on the long-running singing competition, citing what he was told was a financial difficulty involving insurance.

The 86-year-old Welsh singer, who has been an on-and-off coach since the show premiered in 2012, addressed his departure after reports emerged that ITV was planning a major change to the coaching panel. Jones said he was informed of the decision only recently, even though he believes it had been made earlier.

Tom Jones disputes ITV’s explanation for The Voice

Jones said he was not choosing to leave the program and that he remains fond of the show and its audience. He also said ITV offered him a substantially reduced role that would involve appearing on the program without being part of the coaching process from the beginning.

The singer’s account differs from the public explanation surrounding the show’s planned overhaul. Reports have described the changes as an effort to refresh the coaching lineup, while a source close to the production said ITV still hoped Jones would return in some capacity.

ITV has been approached for comment on Jones’ claims.

A major change is coming to The Voice UK

The dispute comes as The Voice UK prepares for its next series, with production expected to begin soon.

Jones currently appears alongside will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones. During his time on the competition, he has coached three winners: Leanne Mitchell, Ruti Olajugbagbe and Anthonia Edwards.

The reported reshaping of the panel would mark another significant transition for a program that has repeatedly changed its coaching lineup while retaining Jones as one of its most recognizable figures.

For Jones, however, the issue is more than a routine cast change. His public response makes clear that he viewed the decision as an involuntary exit rather than the natural conclusion of a long television run.

Jones has faced a similar exit before

This is not the first time Jones has unexpectedly been removed from The Voice UK. He previously left the BBC version of the program before returning when ITV took over the series.

His latest departure therefore carries an unusual sense of déjà vu. After more than a decade connected to the franchise, Jones is again challenging the circumstances surrounding his removal.

The singer’s career outside television has spanned more than six decades, with major hits including “What’s New Pussycat?” and “Green Green Grass of Home.” He was knighted in 2006 for services to music and has won a Grammy, two Brit Awards and an Ivor Novello Award.

For The Voice UK, the immediate question is whether the program’s planned refresh will proceed without one of its defining personalities — or whether ITV can still find a role for Jones before the next series begins production.