Sir Tom Jones said this week that ITV fired him from The Voice UK's coaching panel, citing insurance costs, ending a run on the show that began in 2012 ahead of its 2027 series.
TL;DR
- Tom Jones, 86, says ITV cut him from The Voice UK's coaching line-up over a "financial difficulty with insurance."
- He had coached on the show since 2012 and mentored three series winners.
- ITV had told the Press Association it was "hopeful" Jones would return, shortly before his statement.
- Filming for the new series begins in Manchester on Friday, with the ITV run expected to air in 2027.
What Jones said about his exit
Jones shared a statement on his Instagram account on September 8, saying he had not chosen to leave the singing competition and still loves working on it.
He said the reason given was "a financial difficulty with insurance," and suggested ITV's public line about refreshing the show did not match what he had been told privately.
According to the statement, the broadcaster later offered Jones a reduced appearance rather than a full coaching seat from the start of the series, an arrangement he said he was unhappy with.
ITV's changing story
Just days earlier, an ITV insider had told the Press Association the broadcaster was still hoping to keep Jones on board, according to multiple outlets citing the news agency.
That framing sits awkwardly next to Jones's account, in which he said the decision to remove him had already been made some time before he was informed.
ITV had not issued a public response to Jones's statement as of publication.
Filming starts in Manchester as the line-up shifts
14 years
Jones's tenure as a coach on The Voice UK/US-format franchise, spanning its runs on the BBC and ITV since 2012.
Source: Cover Media, via Rova
Filming for the revamped series is due to begin in Manchester on Friday, ahead of an expected 2027 broadcast on ITV. That's the UK production detail behind this week's headlines, and it explains the urgency around confirming a coaching line-up.
Will.i.am and Kelly Rowland are expected to remain as coaches, with reports suggesting a reshuffled panel around them for the new series.
Jones has been dropped from the show once before, sitting out the 2015 series before ITV brought him back the following year when the show moved from the BBC.
The reaction so far
Jones's post drew a large response from fans on social media, many calling for The Voice UK to reverse its decision and keep him in his chair.
The singer, mentor to three series winners since 2012, closed his statement by saying there is never a good time to let go of someone still capable of doing the job well.
Reported from publicly available interviews and verified press sources. Last reviewed September 11, 2026.
