Tom Jones Courtesy of Getty Beloved Welsh musician Tom Jones has claimed he’s been fired from The Voice U.K. over “financial difficulty with insurance.”
The “It’s Not Unusual” and “What’s New Pussycat?” singer has featured on the British competition show on and off since it first aired on the BBC in 2012. Having been on the coaching panel for three years, Jones took a break before rejoining when The Voice U.K. moved to ITV, where it’s now produced by Lifted Entertainment, an ITV Studios company.
On Instagram on Tuesday, the 86-year-old said he has been let go as a judge and criticized the limited role he was offered instead. “To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” he wrote. “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.”
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“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,” he continued. “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.”
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Jones’ post immediately earned hundreds of comments of support, including from English singers Olly Murs and Anne-Marie and fellow Voice coach Will.i.am.
“Love ya TJ,” said Murs. “I know how much that show means to you mate. Absolute legend and one of the very best to ever sit in that chair.” U.K. presenter Carol Vorderman wrote under the post: “Terrible decision [in my honest opinion]… I saw you perform at Car Fest and you remain simply incredible and A LEGEND. You ARE The Voice.”
ITV, which has yet to comment on the alleged firing and replacement judge, has also not responded to The Hollywood Reporter‘s request for comment.
Jones is currently appearing on season nine of The Voice U.K., in which amateur singers — some of whom are incredibly talented — perform while the judges’ backs are turned. Those who are successful are coached through to the final. Jones has won the show three times with his mentees.
His fellow coaches include McFly members Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones as well as Kelly Rowland.
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