Sir Tom Jones, 86, has been dropped by ITV from singing competition The Voice UK after 13 years on the show.
The veteran singer posted a statement on social media confirming he did not want to leave and revealing ITV cited insurance financial difficulty for his removal.
Sir Tom wrote on his Instagram and Facebook pages on Tuesday that network executives made the decision without his agreement, despite claiming publicly that they wanted to refresh the line-up.
"To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience," Sir Tom 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," he added. "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 disclosed that network bosses 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."
"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," he concluded.
Celebrity support and reaction to exit
Carol Vorderman, 65, hit out at ITV's "terrible decision" on Wednesday as she threw her backing behind her long-term friend.
"Terrible decision imho… I saw you perform at Car Fest and you remain simply incredible and A LEGEND," Vorderman wrote in the comments. "You ARE the voice."
Vorderman, a television presenter, was joined by a host of celebrities in expressing support for Sir Tom following his statement.
Olly Murs, who worked on the show as a coach from 2018 to 2023, offered his support to the Welsh music legend.
"Love ya TJ. I know how much that show means to you mate," Murs wrote. "Absolute legend and one of the very best to ever sit in that chair."
Singer Anne-Marie, a close friend of Sir Tom, wrote, "I love you," while LeAnn Rimes added, "go… you legend!"
Singer Karl Loxley, who appeared on The Voice as part of Sir Tom's team during the 2015 series, also commented on the announcement.
"The best thing about being on The Voice was getting the chance to work with you," Loxley wrote. "An absolute legend and a true gentleman. ❤️ The Voice won't be the same without you."
Fans were left devastated by the sacking, with one viewer commenting on Instagram: "You are the reason people watch this programme, Sir Tom. You are the Voice. Always have been, always will be. I won't watch it if you aren't on it. Judging by other comments on social media, so many others feel the same. It's a stupid decision they will regret!"
ITV response and line-up overhaul
Network bosses pushed back against claims that the singer's departure was a finalized deal earlier in the week.
An ITV spokesperson told the Daily Mail: "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."
An insider had previously told the publication on Monday: "ITV absolutely loves working with Sir Tom. They are in talks with him and are hopeful he will return to the series."
Insiders revealed on Monday that the music legend would be stepping down from his role in a massive shake-up for the series.
McFly band members Tom Fletcher, 41, and Danny Jones, 40, have already announced that they are leaving the show.
Producers are reportedly in advanced, last-minute talks to replace Sir Tom and the McFly duo with 43-year-old singer Cheryl and 26-year-old rapper Aitch for the 2027 series.
Rapper Aitch has been the frontrunner to replace McFly duo Fletcher and Jones.
Cheryl, a Girls Aloud star and former X Factor judge, is said to have been in talks with show bosses for months.
The proposed role would mark Cheryl's return to primetime television after six years, with her last TV outing seeing her as a dance captain on BBC's The Greatest Dancer in 2020.
Coaching panel seats and host replacements
The prospective new coaches would join former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland, 45, and 51-year-old rapper will.i.am on the panel.
ITV executives are keen to keep hold of Rowland, who made her debut on the show this year, and will.i.am, who has been on the show since its debut series alongside Sir Tom.
With all four red chairs filled by Cheryl, Aitch, Rowland and will.i.am, there would be no room left for Sir Tom.
Filming for the new series, series 15, is due to kick off on Friday, September 11, in Manchester.
Reports indicate that changes are also planned for the show's presentation team, with host Emma Willis departing.
Willis is leaving to serve as the new lead presenter on BBC rival show Strictly Come Dancing.
Television personalities Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon are reportedly set to replace Willis as presenters on the singing competition.
Series delays and live final uncertainty
Series 14, which is currently airing on ITV, has been delayed on two separate occasions due to network scheduling changes.
Filming for the pre-recorded auditions took place in the first half of 2024, meaning that by the time the live finals air in a few weeks time, there will have been a two-year gap.
It has not been confirmed if Sir Tom will return for the live finale broadcasts.
The ITV series attracts roughly two million viewers per week and boasts pop singer Becky Hill among its success stories.
In total, the singing competition has featured 11 celebrity coaches across its 14-year run on British television.
Previous BBC sacking and return to ITV
The current dispute echoes Sir Tom's unceremonious removal from the show in 2015 when it was airing on the BBC.
Having been cast as a judge when the series debuted in 2012, he was cut by the BBC and replaced with Boy George.
The singer criticized show executives at the time, claiming there was "no consultation or conversation of any kind."
In echoes of his latest sacking, Sir Tom took to Facebook to blast the show, declaring that "this substandard behaviour from the executives is very disappointing."
Talking to the Radio Times, the Sex Bomb singer revealed that he had been left incredibly angry by the BBC's sudden decision.
"I was p****d off. I never got to the bottom of who made the decision," he said, before noting: "Well of course, that's a kick in the b******s."
The Welsh singer added that he experienced some satisfaction when ratings for the show plummeted in its following series.
When the show moved to ITV in 2017, Sir Tom was brought back as a judge, eventually completing nine years with the commercial broadcaster.
