Sir Tom Jones has reportedly been sidelined from his usual coaching role on The Voice UK as ITV prepares to shake-up the show’s panel.
The legendary singer, 86, is said to be losing his famous red chair when filming begins on series 15.
But it appears ITV is not ready to say goodbye to Tom completely.
Insiders claim talks are taking place about a reduced role that could see him remain involved with the search for new vocal talent.
The reported shake up comes after Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher’s reported exit from the ITV programme.
Rapper Aitch is expected to step in for the McFly stars, while Cheryl Tweedy is also rumoured to be joining the coaching line up.
Kelly Rowland and will.i.am are both expected to return, with the proposed panel looking very different for the next series.
Sir Tom Jones ‘dropped’ from The Voice UK
Tom has been a familiar face on The Voice UK since the talent show’s launch in 2012. He sat out the 2016 series, with Boy George taking his place, before returning when the programme moved to ITV in 2017.
He has since become one of the show’s best known coaches, regularly taking his place in that instantly recognisable red chair.
And despite the latest reports, Tom remains a firm favourite with viewers.
A source told The Sun: “Everyone loves Sir Tom but there was a feeling that the upcoming series needed a major refresh.”
Tom is reportedly disappointed by the change, although sources claim he still wants to have some connection to the programme.
An insider told us: “ITV absolutely loves working with Sir Tom. They are in talks with him and are hopeful he will return to the series.”
ED! has contacted ITV for comment.
The Voice UK series 15: Cheryl and Aitch tipped for the chairs
The Voice UK has only recently made its return to ITV after a two year break. The current panel features Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher sharing a red chair, alongside Kelly Rowland, Tom and will.i.am.
However, Danny and Tom confirmed in July that they were stepping away from the show. Cheryl has since emerged as a possible replacement for the pair.
The Girls Aloud star’s reported return to British television would come six years after her last appearance.
Kelly is expected to remain on the panel for another series after making her debut during the current run.
Will.i.am has been part of The Voice UK since the programme first launched on the BBC in 2012. Aitch is now also being tipped to take a seat in the famous red chairs.
Production on series 15 is due to get underway in Manchester on Friday, with the new series expected to air in 2027.
The current series is attracting around two million viewers on ITV each Saturday night.
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