The atmosphere on the set of The Voice UK is reportedly "seriously awkward" as filming begins for the upcoming series, following the unceremonious departure of original coach Tom Jones. Will.i.am, the only other remaining original panelist, is said to be "furious" with ITV's decision to remove the legendary Welsh singer.
Jones, 86, stated that the decision was not his own and that ITV "fired" him, citing "financial difficulty with insurance." He expressed his disappointment, noting that he did not want to leave the show he loves and that ITV had offered him a significantly reduced role.
"To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience," Jones wrote on Instagram. "ITV made this decision — obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently. The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance."
ITV, however, released a statement saying they "have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years" and that 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." The network also suggested the move was part of a planned "refresh" of the coaching lineup.
New coaches Cheryl, 43, and rapper Aitch, 26, are set to join returning panelists Kelly Rowland, 45, and will.i.am for the 2027 series. Sources indicate that the usual celebratory atmosphere at the start of filming has been replaced by unease due to will.i.am's reported displeasure with how the situation was handled by producers.
"It’s pretty uncomfortable for Cheryl, who is close with Will and has looked up to Kelly all her career," a source told The Sun. "This is her big TV comeback and right now ITV are letting her be the fall guy for taking Sir Tom’s seat."
This is not the first time Jones has been dropped from The Voice UK. He was previously removed by the BBC in 2015, only to be brought back when the show moved to ITV in 2017. The singer had voiced similar frustrations at his earlier dismissal, calling the executives' behavior "substandard."
Fans have expressed their disappointment on social media, with many stating they will not watch the show without Jones. The departure comes as The Voice UK faces other potential changes, with reports of Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon possibly replacing host Emma Willis and other judges like Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher departing.