Sir Tom Jones 'won't return for guest appearance on The Voice'
Music veteran Sir Tom Jones won't be returning to The Voice for a cameo has a guest judge after he was dropped from his regular role on the TV talent show.
Sir Tom Jones won't be returning to The Voice for a cameo after he was dropped from his regular role on the TV talent show.
The 86-year-old singer had been part of the line-up of the ITV series since 2012 but he was recently dumped from the judging panel against his wishes. The Sun newspaper reports show bosses wanted Tom to return for a cameo role as a "super guest judge" on next year's series but it won't be happening.
A source told the publication: "It all got pretty messy and Tom and his team were furious about how things played out.
"ITV had hoped he would return in some capacity, but it isn’t happening."
The report suggests The Voice team are now hoping adding former Girls Aloud star Cheryl to the panel will bring in viewers and they are also hoping to stage an onscreen reunion between current judge Kelly Rowland with her former Destiny’s Child bandmate Michelle Williams.
The source added: "They are now hoping the big pull, along with the return of Cheryl, will be a mini reunion for Destiny’s Child."
The Voice is due to return to TV next year.
Tom previously clarified the reasons for his departure from The Voice, explaining that he had no wish to leave the ITV show.
The chart-topping star said in a statement: "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."
Despite this, ITV thanked Tom for his service to the show, observing that he brought joy to "every singer who performed for him and with him".
The broadcaster explained: "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."
