Sir Tom Jones is leaving The Voice UK as a full-time coach after 13 seasons, bringing an end to one of the show’s longest-running coaching partnerships.
The 86-year-old Welsh singer said he did not choose to leave the ITV singing competition. In a statement shared on social media on September 8, Jones said ITV had made the decision and that he was informed only recently.
According to Jones, the reason given to him was a financial difficulty involving insurance. However, he also said the network had publicly described the change as a way to “refresh” the coaching lineup.
The situation leaves Jones’ future with The Voice UK uncertain, although ITV has indicated that discussions about a possible future role are continuing.
Why Is Tom Jones Leaving The Voice UK?
Jones has made clear that his departure was not his decision.
In his social media statement, the singer explained that he still loves the program and appreciates its audience. He said ITV decided to remove him from the full-time coaching lineup and attributed the decision, as it was explained to him, to financial difficulties connected with insurance.
Jones also objected to the way the change was presented publicly.
While he said he was told about the insurance issue, he noted that the press explanation focused on refreshing the program and introducing a new coaching lineup.
That difference appears to be a major reason for Jones’ frustration with the decision.
Tom Jones Was Offered a Reduced Role
Jones also revealed that he was offered the possibility of appearing on the program in a smaller capacity.
However, that would not involve him working as a full-time coach from the beginning of the series.
The singer said he was unhappy with that arrangement. His comments suggest that he would rather leave the regular coaching position than remain involved only through occasional appearances.
Importantly, ITV has not closed the door completely. A spokesperson said the program had enjoyed working with Jones and that discussions with Jones and his team about his involvement in the next series were continuing.
Tom Jones’ Long History With The Voice UK
Tom Jones has been closely associated with The Voice UK since the program launched in 2012.
He was part of the original coaching panel alongside Will. I am Jessie J and Danny O’Donoghue. Jones briefly missed the fifth series in 2016 but otherwise remained a major presence on the coaching panel.
ITV’s own 2025 announcement also confirmed Jones’ return to the coaching lineup alongside Will. I am Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, and Kelly Rowland for the show’s next edition at that time.
His long tenure made him one of the defining figures in the show’s UK history.
Jones Previously Faced a Coaching Shake-Up
This is not the first time Jones has experienced an unexpected change involving The Voice UK.
He was replaced for the show’s fifth series in 2016, when Paloma Faith joined the coaching panel. Jones later returned when the program moved to ITV.
That earlier departure was also controversial. Jones said at the time that he had not been properly consulted before being replaced.
His latest exit therefore marks another significant change in his long relationship with the singing competition.
What Happens to The Voice UK Next?
Jones’ departure comes as the program prepares for another change to its coaching lineup.
The Voice UK has frequently refreshed its panel since its launch. Over the years, the show has featured artists including Will. I am Jessie J, Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Jennifer Hudson, Olly Murs, Meghan Trainor, Anne-Marie, and Kelly Rowland.
However, Jones and Will. I have been among the most enduring figures associated with the program.
With Jones no longer expected to serve as a full-time coach, attention will now turn to who takes his place and whether the new lineup will change the show’s dynamic.
Recent reports have linked several names with the next coaching lineup, but those reports should be treated separately from confirmed ITV announcements. ITV has confirmed that discussions about Jones’ possible future involvement remain ongoing.
Tom Jones’ Legacy on The Voice UK
Jones’ departure is significant because his connection with the show stretches back to its very first season.
He was not simply a coach who appeared for a few years. He became part of the program’s identity, returning through multiple changes to the format and coaching panel.
His career outside television also gives his role unusual weight. Jones is a Grammy-winning singer whose recording career spans decades, making his presence on a modern talent competition a link between different generations of popular music.
For now, however, his future on The Voice UK remains unresolved.
While Jones says he is no longer returning as a full-time coach, ITV has left open the possibility of another form of involvement.
What Tom Jones’ Exit Means for The Voice UK
The change represents more than another routine coaching switch.
Jones has been part of The Voice UK since its launch and has remained through numerous panel changes. His departure could give the program an opportunity to introduce a different coaching dynamic, but it also removes one of its most familiar faces.
For Jones, the circumstances appear to matter as much as the departure itself. His statement made clear that he wanted to continue and was disappointed by both the decision and the way he says it was communicated.
For viewers, the biggest question now is whether Jones will have any role in the next series—and who will occupy his chair if he does not.
Sources and attribution
This report is based on Jones’ public statements and recent reporting from People and Entertainment Weekly, alongside ITV’s official information about the program and its coaching lineup.