Tom Jones leaves The Voice UK after ITV cites insurance costs for dismissal
The 86-year-old Welsh singer announced his departure from The Voice UK after 13 seasons, stating ITV dismissed him over insurance costs and offered only a reduced guest role.
Dismissal and insurance dispute
Sir Tom Jones announced on Tuesday that broadcaster ITV dismissed him from his coaching role on The Voice UK ahead of the upcoming fourteenth season. The 86-year-old Welsh singer, who coached on the talent show for 13 seasons, shared the statement with his 823,000 Instagram followers following reports in the British press about changes to the lineup. Jones stated that ITV executives took the decision some time ago but informed him only recently, citing commercial insurance costs as the primary reason for his removal. Producers subsequently offered him a reduced guest capacity without regular involvement from the start of the season, an arrangement he declined to welcome.
Jones addressed the broadcaster's stated reasoning directly in his social media post.
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.
Thirteen seasons on the panel
Jones joined the original coaching lineup when The Voice UK premiered on BBC in 2012, remaining with the production across almost its entire history. His only previous absence occurred during season five in 2016, when producers replaced him with Boy George, before Jones returned to his chair in 2017 after the franchise transferred to ITV. Over his 13 seasons on the panel, the singer coached three champions to victory, winning the inaugural 2012 contest with Leanne Mitchell, season seven with Ruti Olajugbagbe, and season 11 with Anthonia Edwards. The most recent panel featured Jones alongside will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, and McFly members Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.
- Joins the BBC coaching panel for season one and mentors winner Leanne Mitchell
- Leaves the coaching panel for season five as Boy George takes over the role
- Returns to the coaching lineup as the broadcast transfers from BBC to ITV
- Announces ITV dismissed him ahead of season 14 due to insurance difficulties
The singer concluded his announcement with a direct comment on the decision.
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.
Reactions across the industry
Former colleagues and competitors responded with public messages of support following the announcement. Rapper will.i.am, who has coached alongside Jones across every series of the show, reacted to the post with dozens of crying emojis. Singer Anne-Marie, who coached on three seasons, sent a message of affection, while former contestant Karl Loxley described Jones as a legend and a true gentleman. Former coach Olly Murs also published a tribute reflecting on their seasons together on the panel.
Love ya TJ. I know how much that show means to you mate. Absolute legend and one of the very best to ever sit in that chair.
Touring schedule and career continuity
The television departure follows a full concert schedule for the veteran performer, who began his commercial recording career in 1965 with hits such as It's Not Unusual and What's New Pussycat?. Jones performed a live concert at Palmerston House in County Kildare in August 2026, and is scheduled to begin the North American leg of his tour in autumn 2026. Across a six-decade career featuring more than 40 albums, his most recent studio album, Surrounded by Time, was released in 2021. British media reports indicate that rapper Aitch and singer Cheryl are under consideration to join will.i.am on the upcoming fourteenth season.
