Will.i.am is reportedly furious with ITV's decision to remove Tom Jones from the judging panel of The Voice, creating an "awkward" atmosphere on the first day of filming for the upcoming series. Jones, who, along with will.i.am, was one of the last remaining original coaches, confirmed he was "fired" by ITV due to "financial difficulty with insurance" and stated he did not want to leave the show.
Filming for the 2027 series began on Friday with new coaches Cheryl and Aitch joining returning judges Kelly Rowland and will.i.am. Sources describe the mood on set as tense, with a departure from the usual celebratory start to filming. "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," a source told The Sun.
The report suggests the situation is uncomfortable for Cheryl, whose television comeback coincides with her taking the seat previously occupied by Jones. "This is her big TV comeback and right now ITV are letting her be the fall guy for taking Sir Tom’s seat," the source added.
Jones, 86, expressed his disappointment via Instagram, stating that while he loved the show and appreciated the audience, ITV had made the decision to remove him. He explained that he was offered a significantly reduced role, making only guest appearances, which he found unsatisfactory. "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," he wrote.
An ITV spokesperson stated that the broadcaster "loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years" and, while he would not be a full-time coach on series 15, they were continuing discussions about his involvement in future series. However, reports indicate that ITV aimed to "refresh" the coaching panel, with producers in talks to bring in Cheryl and Aitch. This would fill the four coaching seats, leaving no place for Jones.
This is not the first time Jones has been dropped from the show. He was removed by the BBC in 2015, replaced by Boy George, a decision he criticized at the time as lacking consultation. When The Voice moved to ITV in 2017, Jones was reinstated. Across its 14-year run, the show has featured 11 different celebrity coaches.
The departure has prompted a strong reaction from viewers and former contestants, with many expressing dismay on social media and calling it a "stupid decision." Jones's prior performance at Car Fest was highlighted by commentator Carol Vorderman as evidence of his continued capability. Reports also suggest Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon are being considered as replacements for departing host Emma Willis.