Sir Tom Jones has thanked fans for their support as filming for the new series of ITV talent show The Voice UK continues without him.
The 86-year-old Welsh singer broke his social media silence as an online petition demanding his reinstatement on the singing competition passed 57,000 signatures, following his controversial departure from the judging panel.
The news comes as viewership for the current series slumped by half a million viewers on Saturday night, with just 1.6 million tuning in after ITV moved the broadcast to an earlier timeslot to avoid a clash with the launch of Strictly Come Dancing on the BBC.
Sir Tom returned to Instagram on Saturday to share a video clip from the current series showing him performing his classic hit It's Not Unusual on stage. In the clip, fellow coaches will.i.am and Kelly Rowland left their seats to hug him, while McFly musicians Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones cheered from their red chairs.
Addressing his followers, Sir Tom wrote: "It's Not Unusual...So many heartfelt messages, comments and even petitions of support. It doesn't go unnoticed and it's been really lovely to receive these! Thank you!"
Campaign platform Change.org responded directly in the comments section, confirming that "the petition to reinstate Sir Tom Jones on The Voice now has over 57,000 signatures and thousands of messages of support." The post received likes from fellow coach Kelly Rowland as well as Spice Girls singer Mel C.
Backstage tension over producer decisions
Filming for the 2027 season, which will mark series 15 of the format, began ten days ago with new judges Cheryl, 43, and rapper Aitch, 25, stepping into the red chairs. However, sources report that production has been overshadowed by severe awkwardness behind the scenes.
Longtime coach will.i.am, who remains on the panel alongside Kelly Rowland, is reportedly furious over the decision to drop Sir Tom. Production sources revealed that the traditional launch welcome drinks at a five-star hotel were scrapped this year as tension mounted on set.
A source told The Sun: "It's seriously awkward as will.i.am is furious with how producers have handled things and is making his feelings known behind the scenes."
The insider added: "It's pretty uncomfortable for Cheryl, who is close with Will and has looked up to Kelly all her career. This is her big TV comeback and right now ITV are letting her be the fall guy for taking Sir Tom's seat. None of this is her fault, it's been handled atrociously by the bosses."
Dispute over insurance and show refresh
Sir Tom first revealed his exit in a furious statement published on Instagram on September 8, three days before ITV officially announced the new coaching lineup. He insisted that he had not chosen to step down from the program.
In his initial post, Sir Tom wrote: "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."
He explained: "The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance. 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."
Sir Tom added that network executives had offered him "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," before concluding: "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."
Statements from ITV network
In a statement confirming the new series lineup, ITV bosses paid tribute to the veteran performer: "ITV would like to thank the irreplaceable Sir Tom Jones for all his years on The Voice UK, and the countless incredible and unforgettable moments he gave the show. He has brought joy to audiences, and to every singer who performed for him and with him."
When contacted regarding Sir Tom's claims, an ITV spokesman said: "We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK. While he will no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, we continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series." Representatives for will.i.am and ITV have been contacted for further comment.
Sir Tom Jones, born Thomas Jones Woodward in Pontypridd, Wales, rose to international fame in the 1960s with hits such as It's Not Unusual, Delilah, and What's New Pussycat? He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to music in 2006. The Voice UK is a British television talent show produced for commercial network ITV, based on the international reality competition format where music stars assess contestants during blind auditions from spinning red chairs.
The upcoming 2027 series sees former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy making her return to talent show judging alongside 25-year-old Manchester rapper Aitch, real name Harrison Armstrong. They join American musicians will.i.am, a founding member of The Black Eyed Peas who has served as a coach since the show debuted in 2012, and former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland.
