Sir Tom Jones expresses shock over The Voice’s handling of his axe

Sir Tom Jones Reflects on Surprise Exit from The Voice

In a candid revelation, Sir Tom Jones, the celebrated star of The Voice UK, shares his shock about being let go from the show back in 2012. Having joined the coaching panel during its inaugural series, Jones experienced an abrupt removal after four seasons, replaced by Culture Club’s Boy George.

The singer’s departure was particularly jarring, as he disclosed in his 2016 autobiography, Over The Top and Back, that he was informed of his dismissal just one month before filming for the show’s fifth season. Expressing his disbelief, he described the BBC as a “cold place” to be associated with.

“To say I was shocked is to put it mildly,” the iconic performer remarked. His primary disappointment, however, was the manner in which the decision was communicated to him. Despite understanding the impermanence of roles in the entertainment industry, he felt let down by the way his replacement was handled.

When his team sought clarification about the decision, BBC executives maintained that he was merely “out of contract.” While recognizing this as a straightforward statement, Jones lamented the corporate atmosphere, saying, “Sometimes you wonder whether it is run by humans or a machine in the basement.” His affinity for the BBC was evident, as he emphasized his long-standing British loyalty to the organization.

However, following the show’s transition to ITV, Jones made a triumphant return and has remained a constant presence on the panel. Currently, he shares his coaching talent with American superstar LeAnn Rimes, McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, along with Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas.

Reflecting on the need for rotating coaches, Tom voiced his support for the changes, stating, “If it was the same coaches all the time, it would get boring for the viewers.” His observations reflect a broader understanding of maintaining audience engagement through variety.

The Voice continues to air on ITV1 and ITVX, with new episodes captivating fans each week. As the show evolves, so too does the legacy of its enduring coaches, who bring their unique talents to the stage.