Sir Tom Jones Responds as Tens of Thousands Back Petition to Keep Him on The Voice UK

Sir Tom Jones has responded to the growing support from The Voice UK viewers after tens of thousands of fans signed petitions calling for him to remain part of the show.

The 86-year-old Welsh singer addressed the outpouring of messages on Instagram on Saturday, September 19, sharing a clip from his appearance on the latest episode of The Voice UK and thanking viewers for their support.

The response comes after ITV confirmed a major change to the coaching panel for the show’s 2027 series, meaning Jones will no longer be a full-time coach.

Sir Tom Jones Thanks Fans

Jones posted the video of himself performing his classic hit “It’s Not Unusual” during the current series alongside a brief message acknowledging the support he has received.

“It’s Not Unusual…So many heartfelt messages, comments and even petitions of support. It doesn’t go unnoticed and it’s been really lovely to receive these! Thank you!”

His message followed a surge of activity from fans who have been campaigning for his return to the coaching panel.

One Change.org petition calling for Jones to be reinstated had gathered more than 59,000 signatures by Monday, September 21, according to the Manchester Evening News. When the publication first reported on the campaign the previous week, around 48,000 people had signed.

A separate petition on Change.org also calls for ITV to keep Jones on the programme, highlighting his experience and long-standing connection with the series.

ITV Confirms New Coaching Line-Up

The reaction follows ITV’s announcement on September 11 that The Voice UK will undergo a significant line-up change for its 15th series, which is scheduled to air in 2027.

Cheryl and Manchester rapper Aitch will join returning coaches Kelly Rowland and will.i.am. The new panel will replace Jones as well as McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones. Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will also take over as hosts.

ITV thanked Jones for his years on the programme, describing his contribution as a source of memorable moments and noting the impact he had on both audiences and singers who appeared on the show.

Jones has been associated with The Voice UK since the show’s debut in 2012, although his time on the programme has included periods away from the coaching panel.

Why Jones Left the Coaching Panel

The change became particularly controversial among some viewers after Jones publicly discussed his departure earlier in September.

He said he did not want to leave the programme and claimed ITV had made the decision because of what he described as “financial difficulty with insurance.” He also said he had been offered a much-reduced role rather than continuing as a full-time coach.

ITV, meanwhile, said the programme was being refreshed with a new coaching line-up. Its official announcement thanked Jones for his contribution but confirmed that he would not return as a full-time coach for Series 15. The broadcaster also said it remained in discussions with Jones and his team about possible involvement in the next series.

That leaves the door open for some form of future appearance, although ITV has not announced that Jones will return as a regular coach.

Fans Rally Around the Music Legend

Following Jones’ Instagram post, fans quickly filled the comments with messages of appreciation.

Some described hearing him perform as “magical,” while others called him “the original and the best” and praised his enduring voice.

Another commenter wrote that his performance was the best part of the evening, adding that his voice had remained familiar to audiences for decades. Others simply called him a legend and praised his vocal ability.

The reaction reflects the strong attachment some viewers have developed to Jones during his years on the programme. His latest performance of “It’s Not Unusual” has given supporters another opportunity to celebrate the singer while the debate over his future on The Voice UK continues.

For now, ITV’s Series 15 line-up remains set to feature Cheryl, Aitch, Kelly Rowland and will.i.am, with the new series scheduled for 2027. Jones’ exact involvement, if any, has yet to be confirmed.