Tom Jones says "financial difficulty with insurance" is why, at 86, he's out as a full-time coach on "The Voice U.K.," after ITV informed him the show is getting a coaching lineup refresh ahead of its 2027 series, according to a statement the singer posted on social media.
Jones, from Treforest in Pontypridd, Wales, has coached on the show on and off since it launched in 2012, and said he didn't want to leave and was only told of the decision recently, despite it apparently being made a while ago. ITV has since told press it wants to "refresh" the show's panel, offering him a reduced cameo role instead of a full seat, which Jones said he isn't thrilled about.
The show itself confirmed the move, with a spokesperson telling the press: "We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years," adding that producers "continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series."
His own parting shot was: "There's never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who's still pretty good at his job."
Jones has coached three winning acts during his run on the show: Leanne Mitchell in series one, Ruti Olajugbagbe in series seven, and Anthonia Edwards in series 1. He has also shared the coaching panel over the years with names including Jessie J, Olly Murs, Kylie Minogue and Rita Ora. In the most recent series, he coached alongside McFly's Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, will.i.am and Kelly Rowland.
Beyond the show, Jones's career spans more than six decades, with three UK number one singles, four chart-topping albums, a Grammy, two Brit Awards and an Ivor Novello Award to his name. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for services to music.
