Sir Tom Jones has said he has been removed from The Voice UK, claiming ITV made the decision because of a “financial difficulty with insurance”. The 86-year-old singer has been part of the competition since its first series in 2012 and says leaving the coaching panel was not his choice.

Addressing reports about his future on Instagram, Jones made clear that leaving The Voice UK was not his choice. “To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” he wrote, adding that ITV had made the decision some time ago and only told him recently. He said the reason given to him was “a financial difficulty with insurance”, while also pushing back on reports that his departure was simply part of a wider refresh of the show.

Jones also addressed what ITV has suggested instead, making clear that he is not happy with the alternative being offered. “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,” he said, before adding: “There’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”

ITV has not formally confirmed a new coaching line-up or Jones’s departure. The Press Association reported that a source connected to the programme said ITV “absolutely loves working with Sir Tom” and remains in talks with him, with hopes that he could still return in some capacity. That leaves some uncertainty around exactly what his involvement will look like when The Voice UK returns in 2027.

Jones has been one of the show’s longest-serving faces, joining when The Voice UK originally launched on BBC One before moving to ITV. During his time as a coach, he has mentored three winners: Leanne Mitchell in the first series, Ruti Olajugbagbe in Series 7 and Anthonia Edwards in Series 11. His most recent coaching line-up included will.i.am, Kelly Rowland and McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

Reports have suggested that ITV is considering further changes for the next series, with Cheryl linked to a possible coaching role. Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon have also been reported as potential new hosts following Emma Willis’s move to Strictly Come Dancing, although ITV has not officially announced this.

For CultureCues, The Voice UK just would not feel the same without Tom Jones in one of those chairs. We love him, our mums love him, and after 14 years he is so closely associated with the show that it would feel wrong not having him there. He has always brought so much personality to the panel, and it is a real shame when he has made it clear that he still wants to be part of it. If there is still a way for ITV to keep him involved properly, we are very much hoping they find it. Bring back Tom!

ITV has not officially announced the full coaching line-up for the 2027 series.