Sir Tom Jones announced earlier this month that ITV had removed him from his role as a judge on The Voice. The 86-year-old Welsh singer, who has served as an on-off coach since the show’s 2012 debut, stated that the broadcaster offered him only a reduced appearance-based role rather than a full-time coaching position, which he declined.
A petition launched by superfan Aaron Howlett, 50, from Kingston-upon-Hull, has garnered over 63,000 signatures calling for Jones’s reinstatement. Howlett expressed strong support for the singer during an appearance on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, citing Jones’s enduring talent and his recent performance in Milwaukee where he received a standing ovation. Will.i.am, who has worked alongside Jones as a coach on The Voice, publicly endorsed the petition on social media in mid-September.
ITV released a statement thanking Jones for his nine years of involvement with the show and the “countless incredible and unforgettable moments” he contributed. The network indicated that while Jones will not continue as a full-time coach for series 15, they remain in discussions with him regarding potential involvement in future series.
Jones mentored three competition winners during his tenure and has shared the coaching panel with various artists including McFly members, Kelly Rowland, Jessie J, Olly Murs, Kylie Minogue, and Rita Ora. The 2027 series of The Voice UK is scheduled to begin production soon. Petition supporters from around the world have expressed concern that the show’s appeal depends significantly on Jones’s presence as a coach.
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