ITV breaks silence on axing Sir Tom Jones from The Voice & claims he’s ‘irreplaceable’ – while revealing his replacement

ITV has released a statement after the backlash over Sir Tom Jones being axed as a judge on The Voice UK – branding the pop legend “irreplaceable” while simultaneously confirming his replacement. Today new coaches Cheryl and Aitch were seen arriving at The Voice studios in Manchester, along with Stacey Solomon who will take over presenting duties with Alesha Dixon. ITV has confirmed big changes at The Voice UK after Sir Tom Jones was axed as a judge Credit: Getty Images New judge Cheryl was today seen arriving at The Voice in Manchester for a meeting Credit: Mancpicss66 / Aaron Parfitt Broadcaster ITV has now confirmed the big changes, writing in a statement: “ITV today reveals a brand new line-up for The Voice UK as Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon take the reins as hosts for Series 15. “The famous red chairs will see the arrival of two musical forces making their debut as coaches. Platinum-selling rap artist Aitch and global pop icon Cheryl are set to begin their hunt for the nation’s next vocal powerhouse. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! “These new additions will take their places alongside international superstar Kelly Rowland, who makes her highly anticipated return for a second series as a coach. They join long-standing The Voice UK legend will.i.am.” They added: “ITV would like to thank the irreplaceable Sir Tom Jones for all his years on The Voice UK, and the countless incredible and unforgettable moments he gave the show. He has brought joy to audiences, and to every singer who performed for him and with him.” Rapper Aitch, who is another new coach on The Voice, was right behind her Credit: Mancpicss66 / Aaron Parfitt New presenter Stacey, who will take over hosting duties from Emma Willis with Alesha Dixon, was also present for the meeting Credit: Mancpicss66 / Aaron Parfitt Sir Tom has been a coach on The Voice since it started in 2012 Credit: WireImage Will.i.am – seen at The Voice today – will return with fellow judge Kelly Rowland for the next series Credit: Mancpicss66 / Aaron Parfitt Sir Tom, 86 – who has been a coach on The Voice since it started in 2013 – hit out after reports he was set to be axed from the show, making it clear it was not his decision. Writing on social media, he said: “To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. “ITV made this decision – obviously a while ago, and I was just told recently. The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance. “They now say in the press they wanted to ‘refresh’ the show, and with a new coaching line-up there wouldn’t be a chair for me.” Most read in TV He continued: “They are making a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I’m not thrilled about that. “So the only thing I know right now, is that there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.” 7 comments7