Sir Tom Jones has responded to ITV after being axed from The Voice UK, claiming they fired him a while ago and only recently told him the news12:21, 08 Sep 2026Updated 17:20, 08 Sep 2026The One Show: Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher present an awardSir Tom Jones said 'there's never a good time to fire an 86-year-old' as he confirmed he's been axed from The Voice by ITV.‌The legendary welsh singer, who has served as an on-off coach since the show debuted in 2012, spoke out following reports he's been quietly dropped.‌Viewers were left outraged at the rumours, calling the Sex Bomb singer the heart and soul of the show.‌Taking to Instagram to clear up speculation, Sir Tom said he was 'not thrilled' by what ITV have offered him."To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience," he said. "ITV made this decision - obviously a while ago, and I was just told recently."The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance. They now say in the press they want to 'refresh' the show, and 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."A Show spokesperson told the Mirror: "We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK. While he will no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, we continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series."‌Fans replied immediately began responding in their hundreds to support the crooner, "Sir Tom is THE VOICE," insisted one."Without you there is no voice... who doesn't want to be coached by a legend?" asked another. "So sorry Sir @realsirtomjones the door closing is your new opening to wherever you want to go. You are an inspiration to so many and your voice is eternal," added a third.Sir Tom has been a staple of the singing competition since it first hit screens in 2012, and has been a full-time member of the panel for 13 of the 14 seasons that have aired.‌In 2015 he was was told he would be replaced with Boy George taking over his role on the series, which was at the time broadcast on BBC One.Detailing the snub in his memoir, Over the Top and Back, Sir Tom said that he was 'shocked' by the decision."To say I was shocked is to put it mildly,” he penned. "But my shock wasn't about the fact they had replaced me. My shock was about the way they did it."‌"Nobody has the right to think of themselves as a permanent fixture", said Sir Tom, adding his team were informed that he was simply “out of contract”.Sir Tom said he found out he'd been dropped hours before the public announcment and criticised the BBC for the lack of communication: “Being informed, as a matter of duty and respect, is an important part of creative relationships. This sub-standard behaviour from the executives is very disappointing.”‌ITV then purchased the rights to the show in 2017, with Emma Willis as the host, with Sir Tom reinstated in his position.It has been rumoured that Cheryl is set to make a TV comeback on the singing contest next year, that sees famous musicians coach amateur artists in a bid win a recording contract with Universal Music Group a £50,000 cash prize and a luxury holiday.Cheryl is no stranger to a reality TV contest, having served as a judge on The X Factor UK from 2008 to 2010, and again in 2014 and 2015. The Fight For This Love star has largely kept out of the limelight after becoming a mum to son Bear Payne, from her relationship with the late Liam Payne.Article continues belowIn the most recent series of The Voice UK Sir Tom features as a coach alongside McFly stars Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, as well as US rapper Will.i.am and Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland.Sir Tom has featured alongside many coaches during his tenure on the show, including singers Jessie J, Olly Murs, Kylie Minogue and Rita Ora.The award-winning singer has also mentored three winners on the programme: Leanne Mitchell in series one, Ruti Olajugbagbe in series seven, and Anthonia Edwards in series 11.Sir Tom, who is known for hits including Delilah and She’s A Lady, has enjoyed a successful music career stretching over six decades.The singer has achieved three UK number one singles and four chart-topping albums, and won prizes including one Grammy, two Brits and an Ivor Novello Award.He received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for his services to music.