SIR TOM JONES SAYS ITV REMOVED HIM FROM THE VOICE

Sir Tom Jones has stated that ITV removed him as a coach on The Voice against his wishes. Jones said the broadcaster made the decision "a while ago" based on "financial difficulty with insurance", and that he was informed only recently. He wrote on Instagram that he did not want to leave the show, adding that producers offered him "a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start", which he said he was not satisfied with.

Jones has served as a coach on the series since its 2012 premiere. In the latest series, he appeared alongside Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones of McFly, rapper Will.i.am, and Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child. Over his tenure, he has coached with various artists including Jessie J, Olly Murs, Kylie Minogue and Rita Ora.

A show insider told the Press Association that ITV values working with Jones and is in talks with him, expressing hope that he will return to the series. The Independent contacted ITV for comment but has not reported a response from the broadcaster at this stage.