Will.i.am 'furious' about Sir Tom Jones' 'firing' from The Voice UK
Sir Tom Jones claimed ITV told him "financial" reasons caused his exit as a coach on The Voice, insisting he "did not want to leave" after 14 years.
Will.i.am has reportedly been left "furious" about Sir Tom Jones' "firing" from The Voice UK.
Earlier this week, the 86-year-old music icon claimed ITV told him "financial" reasons caused his exit as a coach after 14 years, and Tom's removal is said to have sparked an atmosphere behind the scenes of the network's singing competition.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Welcome drinks are usually put on by ITV at a top five-star hotel, and it’s a nice way for everyone to meet before filming. But not this year.
"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.
"Last weekend Sir Tom was packing his bags for the judges’ meeting, now he’s been dropped. How he’s been treated is awful."
Cheryl, 43, reportedly did not know she would be replacing Tom on The Voice UK, joining Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am, 51, Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland, 45, and 26-year-old rapper Aitch as coaches.
And the former Girls Aloud member is said to be feeling "pretty uncomfortable" about taking Tom's seat, which the coaches can choose to spin around to face a contestant during the blind auditions if they want to work with them.
The insider said: "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."
On Tuesday (08.09.26), Tom responded to reports that he was stepping back as a coach and becoming a "super mentor" on The Voice UK, insisting he "did not want to leave".
In a statement shared on Instagram, the Delilah hitmaker said: "To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience."
He insisted the decision was made by ITV themselves, and claimed they initially told him it was for "financial" reasons.
He continued: "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.
"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.
"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."
His comments come after a Voice insider insisted the broadcaster "loves working with Sir Tom".
The source told the Metro newspaper: "ITV absolutely loves working with Sir Tom. They are in talks with him and are hopeful he will return to the series."
News of Tom's departure was first reported by The Sun newspaper on Monday night (07.09.26).
An insider said: "Everyone loves Sir Tom, but there was a feeling that the upcoming series needed a major refresh.
“With Aitch and Cheryl coming on board and Kelly returning with will.i.am, there just wasn’t a seat going."
Kelly joined The Voice in 2025, and Tom revealed at the time that he was looking forward to working with her.
The chart-topping singer raved: "It’s always a pleasure to return to The Voice UK as every year I’m reminded of the incredible talent we have in this country.
"I’m looking forward to sitting alongside will.i.am once again, having Tom and Danny in their chair for a second series, and of course I’m excited to welcome Kelly Rowland to the panel. She’s an amazing artist with a huge amount of experience to share."
