The Voice UK viewers fume at ITV over Sir Tom Jones' exit as will.i.am 'left in tears during filming'
Sir Tom hit out at ITV this week over the decisionThe Voice UK viewers have condemned Sir Tom Jones’ exit as the programme prepares a dramatically changed coaching panel.
Viewers appeared to question the show’s future after it was confirmed that the veteran coach wouldn’t be returning for the new series.
The new Voice UK coaching and hosting line-up includes Cheryl and Aitch as new coaches, alongside returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am. The overhaul also affects both the red chairs and the presenting team.
It comes as reports claim that will.i.am was left in tears during recent filming following Sir Tom’s exit.
The Voice UK fans fume over Sir Tom Jones decision
As The Voice returned on Saturday night for another episode, viewers fumed over ITV’s decision to axe Tom. One person said on X: “@itv Shame on you for firing Tom Jones #thevoiceuk.”
Another wrote: “@ITV are idiots, getting rid of Sir Tom Jones on #thevoiceuk.”
A third added: “After this series I will be boycotting. Replacing the legendary Tom Jones with Cheryl is a disgrace imo!”
The anger spread beyond viewers. Carol Vorderman called the decision “terrible” and praised Sir Tom as a live performer.
Former coach Olly Murs said the programme meant a great deal to Tom. Les Dennis also questioned the decision and praised Sir Tom’s contribution to The Voice.
Sir Tom Jones explains his Voice UK exit
Sir Tom said on Instagram that leaving was ITV’s choice, not his.
He wrote: “I did not want to leave The Voice,” adding that he loved the programme and its audience.
Tom said he was informed recently, although he believed ITV had made the decision earlier.
He added: “The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance.”
ITV said in a statement: “ITV would like to thank the irreplaceable Sir Tom Jones for all his years on The Voice UK, and the countless incredible and unforgettable moments he gave the show. He has brought joy to audiences, and to every singer who performed for him and with him.”
Sir Tom joined The Voice in 2012 and became one of its longest-serving stars. His departure now leaves will.i.am as the remaining coach from the original panel.
The Voice UK series 15 line-up and filming schedule
Filming has reportedly started for the fifteenth series, with Cheryl taking Sir Tom’s chair and Aitch joining as a coach.
Kelly Rowland and will.i.am are set to return, while Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher are leaving.
Emma Willis is also departing the presenting role. Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon will replace her as a new co-hosting pair.
Read more: Olly Murs sends message to Sir Tom Jones after his shock axing from The Voice UK
A source claimed to The Sun that will.i.am became tearful during the first Manchester recording session. The rapper reportedly said he returned with Sir Tom’s blessing.
A source claimed: “will.i.am has made no secret of how he feels about Tom Jones’ sacking so producers were already nervous ahead of the first show – and they had every right to be because during the first filming session of the new series on Friday in Manchester, he broke down crying – and said the only reason he had returned was because he had Tom’s blessing.
“Cheryl and Aitch then spoke about how they felt and then when it got to Will, he just burst into tears and was talking about how angry and heartbroken he was.”
He reportedly welcomed Cheryl’s arrival, having wanted her on the programme for years. However, the source claimed he remained “angry and heartbroken” about Sir Tom’s absence.
The current series began on ITV in August 2026, before production moved quickly into the next run.
Fans now face one major question. Can this extensive refresh preserve the show’s familiar appeal without Sir Tom?
The Voice UK continues next Saturday, September 19 at 6.10pm on ITV1 and ITVX
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
