Sir Tom Jones Fans Rally as will.i.am Reacts Emotionally to His ‘The Voice UK’ Exit

More than 51,000 people have now signed a petition calling for Sir Tom Jones to return as a full-time coach on The Voice UK — and one of the strongest reactions has come from someone who knows him better than most on the show.

will.i.am, Jones’s longtime fellow coach and friend, responded to a post promoting the campaign with a series of crying emojis before writing: “I’m soo broken by this… I LOVE TOM SOOO MUCH!!!”

The emotional message offered a glimpse of just how significant Jones’s departure is for those who have shared the Voice UK stage with him.

Jones has been part of the programme since its launch in 2012, appearing on the coaching panel alongside will.i.am across much of the show’s history. Their friendship and on-screen chemistry have become a familiar part of the series, making the prospect of losing Jones especially difficult for some viewers.

More Than 51,000 Fans Sign the Petition

The campaign began after ITV confirmed that Jones would not return as a full-time coach for Series 15, which will air in 2027.

The broadcaster announced a revamped coaching line-up featuring Cheryl and rapper Aitch, who will join returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am. Jones, along with McFly’s Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher, will leave the coaching panel.

The petition has quickly attracted tens of thousands of signatures from viewers who want Jones reinstated.

Supporters argue that the Welsh music legend has become an important part of the programme rather than simply another coach. His decades of experience, calm approach and encouragement of contestants have helped distinguish his presence on the panel.

For many viewers, Jones has also provided a sense of continuity in a show where coaching line-ups can change from one series to another.

His relationship with the contestants has often been based on experience and reassurance rather than rivalry, while his performances and stories have added another dimension to the competition.

Tom Jones Says He Did Not Want to Leave

The campaign gained further momentum after Jones publicly addressed his departure.

The 86-year-old singer said he did not want to leave The Voice UK and claimed ITV had made the decision without him choosing to step away. He said he was only recently informed of the decision, although it had apparently been made earlier.

Jones also said the reason given to him was “a financial difficulty with insurance.”

According to Jones, ITV had offered him a much smaller role in which he could make an appearance but would not be involved from the beginning of the competition. He said he was “not thrilled” with that arrangement.

His comments came after ITV described the changes as part of a new coaching line-up and a refresh of the programme. The broadcaster has not confirmed that Jones will return to his full-time coaching position.

ITV has, however, left open the possibility of Jones having some involvement in the next series.

“We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK,” an ITV spokesperson said, adding that the broadcaster was continuing discussions with Jones and his team about his involvement in the next series.

will.i.am’s Emotional Reaction

Against that backdrop, will.i.am’s response to the petition took on added significance.

Rather than issuing a formal statement, the Black Eyed Peas star reacted directly to the campaign, describing himself as “broken” by the prospect of losing Jones from the coaching panel.

The two have shared the programme for years, working through countless blind auditions, performances and emotional moments with contestants.

Their contrasting personalities have also become part of The Voice UK’s identity. Viewers have seen them joke, challenge each other and support performers while sitting side by side in the famous red chairs.

That long-running friendship helps explain why will.i.am’s brief social media response struck such an emotional chord.

What Happens Next?

The petition cannot force ITV to reverse its decision, and there is currently no confirmation that Jones will return as a full-time coach.

What is confirmed is that Series 15 will bring a substantially different panel, with Cheryl and Aitch joining Kelly Rowland and will.i.am. ITV has also announced Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon as the new hosts, replacing Emma Willis.

For now, Jones remains part of the current series, while his future involvement in the programme remains under discussion.

But with more than 51,000 signatures and an emotional reaction from one of his closest Voice UK colleagues, the campaign has made one thing clear: many viewers are not ready to see Sir Tom Jones disappear from the red chair just yet.