ITV has described Sir Tom Jones as “irreplaceable” while confirming that the legendary singer will not return as a coach on The Voice UK — a decision that has already sparked backlash.

The broadcaster has now officially announced a major overhaul for Series 15, with Cheryl and rapper Aitch joining the coaching panel. Kelly Rowland will return for a second series alongside will.i.am, while Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over presenting duties. ITV says the new series will air in 2027.

The announcement comes after Jones, 86, publicly made clear that leaving the programme was not his choice.

ITV Pays Tribute To Sir Tom Jones

In its official statement, ITV thanked Jones for his years on The Voice UK and described him as “irreplaceable,” praising the many memorable moments he had given the programme.

The broadcaster acknowledged that the decision was difficult to announce, particularly given the timing, while emphasizing Jones’ enduring popularity with both audiences and the singers who appeared on the show.

Jones has been a central figure on The Voice UK since its early years. ITV’s own archive shows him returning as a coach across multiple series, most recently alongside will.i.am, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Kelly Rowland for Series 14.

Despite ITV’s warm words, Jones has been clear that he did not want to leave the programme.

Sir Tom Says The Decision Was Not His

Following reports that he was being removed from the coaching panel, Jones addressed the situation on social media.

He said he loved The Voice and appreciated its audience, making it clear that ITV had made the decision and that he had only been informed recently.

According to Jones, the explanation he was given involved financial difficulties connected to insurance. He also said ITV had subsequently described the change publicly as an attempt to “refresh” the show, with the new coaching line-up leaving no chair available for him.

Jones also revealed that producers had discussed a reduced role in which he would appear without being involved from the beginning of the series. He said he was unhappy with that proposal.

His comments added another dimension to ITV’s announcement, particularly because the broadcaster had simultaneously referred to him as an “irreplaceable” part of the programme.

Cheryl And Aitch Join The New Coaching Line-Up

While Jones’ departure has dominated the reaction, ITV is moving forward with a significantly different panel.

Cheryl and Aitch will make their debuts as coaches, joining returning stars Kelly Rowland and will.i.am. ITV described Aitch as a platinum-selling rap artist and Cheryl as a global pop icon.

Cheryl was seen arriving at the The Voice UK studios in Manchester ahead of filming, marking her return to television after a period away from regular TV judging roles. Aitch was also pictured arriving at the studios.

For Kelly Rowland, the new series will mark her second run as a coach after joining the programme for Series 14. will.i.am, meanwhile, remains the longest-standing member of the newly announced panel.

A New Presenting Team

The changes extend beyond the famous red chairs.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will take over hosting duties for Series 15, replacing Emma Willis. The pair were also seen at the Manchester studios as production got underway.

The overhaul therefore represents one of the biggest changes to The Voice UK in recent years, with both the coaching panel and presenting team taking on new combinations.

Backlash Behind The Scenes

Jones’ departure has prompted a strong reaction, including reports that returning coach will.i.am has been unhappy with the way the change was handled.

According to The Sun, the usual welcome drinks for the judges at a five-star hotel were scrapped ahead of filming. The newspaper attributed the decision to tensions surrounding Jones’ departure and quoted a source claiming that will.i.am had made his feelings known behind the scenes.

Those claims have not been confirmed by ITV.

For now, the broadcaster is presenting the changes as the beginning of a new era for the programme, while simultaneously paying tribute to the coach it says cannot truly be replaced.

And with Jones’ own account making clear that he wanted to remain on the show, his exit has left a notable contrast between ITV’s description of his legacy and the circumstances surrounding his departure.