ITV has drawn criticism for calling Sir Tom Jones "irreplaceable" in a statement addressing his departure from The Voice UK, shortly before confirming Cheryl as his replacement coach. The legendary singer, 86, had previously stated he was "fired" from the show due to financial difficulties with insurance, asserting it was not his decision to leave.
In a statement released Tuesday, ITV acknowledged Jones's contribution, stating, "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."
The same statement announced that Cheryl would be joining the coaching panel for the new series, set to air in 2027. Aitch is also slated to replace Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones. The upcoming season will be hosted by Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon, taking over from Emma Willis, who has moved to BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
Sources indicate that the on-set atmosphere has become awkward following the controversy surrounding Jones's exit. "It's seriously awkward as will.i.am is furious with how producers have handled things and is making his feelings known behind the scenes," one source told The Sun. "It's pretty uncomfortable for Cheryl, who is close with Will and has looked up to Kelly all her career. This is her big TV comeback and right now ITV are letting her be the fall guy for taking Sir Tom's seat. None of this is her fault, it's been handled atrociously by the bosses."
Sir Tom Jones himself expressed his anger and disappointment in a statement posted to Instagram earlier this week. "To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. ITV made this decision — obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently," he wrote. "The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance. They now say in the press they wanted to 'refresh' the show, and with a new coaching line-up there wouldn't be a chair for me." He also noted an offer for a "much-reduced role" that he was "not thrilled about."
ITV initially pushed back against suggestions of a finalized departure, with an insider telling the Daily Mail on Monday that the network "absolutely loves working with Sir Tom" and was hopeful for his return. However, reports emerged this week of ITV's desire to refresh the coaching panel, leading to discussions with Cheryl and Aitch. This refresh would leave no room for Jones, who has been a coach since the show's debut series alongside will.i.am, with Kelly Rowland also returning.
This is not the first time Sir Tom has been removed from the show. He was controversially dropped by the BBC in 2015 when The Voice UK was broadcast on that network, a decision he also criticized at the time. When the show moved to ITV in 2017, he was reinstated as a judge.
The departure has led to a strong reaction from fans online. Many expressed their disappointment, with one Instagram commenter stating, "You are the reason people watch this programme, Sir Tom. You are The Voice. Always have been, always will be. I won't watch it if you aren't on it."
Cheryl, a former X Factor judge, has not appeared on primetime television in six years. Her last role was as a dance captain on BBC's The Greatest Dancer in 2020. Filming for the new series of The Voice UK began September 11 in Manchester.