Tom Jones Claims He Was Fired From ‘The Voice U.K.’ Over Insurance Issues
Singer Tom Jones has stated he was removed as a judge from the singing competition show “The Voice U.K.” due to what he describes as a “financial difficulty with insurance.”
Jones Addresses Departure on Social Media
The 86-year-old Welsh singer posted a statement on social media clarifying his exit from the ITV program.
“To be clear, I did not want to leave ‘The Voice’ as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” Jones posted on social media. “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.”
Jones disputed the network’s public framing of his departure.
“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 continued. “They are offering a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I’m not thrilled about that. 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.”
Decade-Long Tenure on the Show
Jones, best known for hits such as “It’s Not Unusual,” has appeared on the show almost continuously since its inception in 2012, when it first aired on the BBC as a competitor to ITV’s “The X-Factor.” He spent three years on the coaching panel before taking a break and then rejoined when the show moved from the BBC to ITV in 2017. “The Voice U.K.” is currently produced by Lifted Entertainment, a subsidiary of ITV Studios.
After almost a decade on ITV’s version of “The Voice U.K.,” rumors emerged over the weekend that Jones would not be rejoining the next season, prompting him to make his statement. Variety has contacted ITV for comment.
Current Season and Coaching Panel
Jones is currently appearing on Season 9 of “The Voice U.K.,” which launched on Aug. 22 and is airing every Saturday on ITV. The other coaches include will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Kelly Rowland.
Industry Reactions
Will.I.Am posted a series of crying emojis under the Instagram post while other artists expressed their support, such as AnneMarie who wrote “I love you.”
Season 4 contestant Karl Loxley also replied, saying:
“The best thing about being on The Voice was getting the chance to work with you @realsirtomjones . An absolute legend and a true gentleman. The Voice won’t be the same without you. [Sic]”
