SIR Tom Jones is reportedly set to leave The Voice UK as the ITV singing competition prepares for a major shake-up.
The 86-year-old music legend has been a familiar face on the coaching panel since the show first launched in 2012, appearing in 13 of its 14 seasons.
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However, reports claim he has been dropped from the line-up ahead of production on the 15th series, with Cheryl and Aitch reportedly joining returning coaches Will.i.am and Kelly Rowland.
Neither Sir Tom nor ITV has officially confirmed his departure.
Is Tom Jones leaving The Voice UK?
Sir Tom Jones is reportedly not returning as a coach for the next series of The Voice UK.
According to reports, producers are planning a major refresh of the coaching panel, with Cheryl and rapper Aitch expected to join Will.i.am and Kelly Rowland.
An insider told The Sun: "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."
The source added that discussions were taking place over whether Sir Tom could remain involved with the programme in another capacity.
"Everyone is sad to see Tom go. Right now talks are ongoing about how he can be involved in the series in a smaller capacity," they said.
"Sir Tom adores the show and finding new talent and still wanted to be involved."
Who are the new Voice UK judges?
Cheryl and Aitch are reportedly set to join the coaching panel for the upcoming series.
They are expected to sit alongside returning coaches Will.i.am and Kelly Rowland.
Cheryl would be making a major return to television following her years as a judge on The X Factor.
She has reportedly been approached about appearing on The Voice several times in previous years but is now believed to be ready to return to the spotlight.
A source previously told The Sun: "Every year producers ask Cheryl to go on the show, and it's a polite 'no' as the timing has never quite been right."
"This year it's different. She feels ready to re-enter the spotlight and talks are now in the final stages."
The source said the situation could still change but claimed producers were working on the assumption that Cheryl would be involved.
Who are the Voice UK coaches?
The reported coaching line-up for the new series is Will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, Cheryl and Aitch.
However, ITV has not officially confirmed the reported changes.
Will.i.am has been part of The Voice UK since its launch, while Kelly Rowland is returning to the panel.
Sir Tom Jones had been expected to remain one of the show's most recognisable faces after returning to the programme following his previous temporary departure.
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When did Tom Jones join The Voice UK?
Tom Jones joined The Voice UK when the show first launched on BBC One in 2012.
He appeared alongside Will.i.am, Jessie J and Danny O'Donoghue during the first series.
The Welsh singer quickly became a fan favourite and remained with the programme when it moved from the BBC to ITV.
He has only missed one previous series, when he was replaced during the fifth series by Paloma Faith and Boy George.
Tom returned to the coaching panel the following year.
Why was Tom Jones previously dropped from The Voice?
Sir Tom previously revealed that he was shocked when he was temporarily removed from The Voice UK in 2016.
In his memoir, Over the Top and Back, the singer wrote: "To say I was shocked is to put it mildly."
He explained that his surprise was not simply because he had been replaced, but because of the way he was informed.
Tom said his team were told that he was "out of contract".
He also acknowledged that "nobody has the right to think of themselves as a permanent fixture".
When does the new series of The Voice UK start?
The next series of The Voice UK is expected to begin production this month, with auditions due to get underway soon.
ITV has not yet confirmed the exact broadcast date for the new series.
The upcoming season will be the 15th series of the singing competition.
What happens next for Tom Jones?
For now, Sir Tom Jones' future on The Voice UK remains unclear.
Reports suggest ITV is discussing whether he could have a smaller role in the programme, while another source told the Mirror that the broadcaster remains keen to work with him.
A show source told the publication: "ITV absolutely loves working with Sir Tom. They are in talks with him and are hopeful he will return to the series."
Until ITV or Sir Tom officially confirms the situation, his reported departure should therefore be treated as unconfirmed.
The Voice UK 2026 line-up explained
The Voice UK is heading into its 15th series with potentially its biggest coaching shake-up in years.
If the reports are correct, Cheryl and Aitch will join Will.i.am and Kelly Rowland, while Sir Tom Jones could be absent from the main coaching panel for the first time since his previous temporary exit.
The new series is expected to begin production soon, with an official announcement from ITV likely to provide more details about the coaches and broadcast date.
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