Sir Tom Jones has drawn a firm line under his long ᴀssociation with The Voice UK. According to a report published by The Sun on 15–16 October 2026, the 86-year-old Welsh music legend has turned down an offer to return to the ITV singing compeтιтion in a reduced capacity as a “super guest judge” for the 2027 series. The decision follows his removal from the regular coaching panel earlier this autumn and brings a contentious chapter to a close.

For more than a decade, Tom Jones was one of the most familiar faces in the red chairs. He first joined the show when it launched on the BBC in 2012 alongside Jessie J, Danny O’Donoghue and Will.i.am. After a brief absence, he returned when the format moved to ITV and became a near-constant presence. Contestants and viewers came to expect his distinctive voice, blunt ᴀssessments and the occasional performance of one of his classic hits. His presence helped define the programme’s early idenтιтy and sustained it through multiple changes of coaches and hosts.

That continuity ended in September 2026 when ITV confirmed a new coaching line-up for series 15, due to air in 2027. The panel will consist of returning coach Will.i.am, Kelly Rowland in her second season, Cheryl making her debut as a coach, and rapper Aitch. Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will replace Emma Willis as hosts. In an official statement, ITV thanked Sir Tom for his years on the show and described him as an irreplaceable part of its history, while noting that discussions about some form of continued involvement were ongoing at the time.

Tom’s own account of events differed sharply from the narrative of a mutual refresh. In a statement posted on Instagram in early September, he made clear that he had not wanted to leave. He said ITV had made the decision some time earlier but only informed him recently. The reason given to him, he stated, was a financial difficulty relating to insurance. He also noted that the broadcaster had subsequently described the change in the press as a desire to refresh the coaching panel and that, with the new line-up, there was no longer a chair for him. He revealed that he had been offered a much-reduced role in which he would make appearances without being involved from the start of the compeтιтion. He was, he wrote, not thrilled about that arrangement. He closed with the observation that there is never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who is still pretty good at his job.

The latest report indicates that the reduced role—later described by sources as a “super guest judge” position involving occasional appearances rather than full coaching duties—has now been formally declined. A source told The Sun that matters became messy and that Tom and his team were furious about how events unfolded. ITV had hoped he would return in some capacity, the source said, but that is not happening. Instead, producers are reportedly placing their hopes on Cheryl’s return to primetime television and on a possible on-screen reunion involving Kelly Rowland and her former Destiny’s Child bandmate Michelle Williams during the battle stages.

The decision removes any immediate prospect of Tom reuniting with the coaches he has shared the set with in recent series, including Will.i.am and Kelly Rowland. It also ends speculation that a limited appearance might have softened the impact of his departure for viewers. For a performer whose career has spanned more than six decades—from “It’s Not Unusual” and “What’s New Pussycat?” through later hits such as “Sєx Bomb” and “Delilah”—the choice appears to reflect a preference for leaving on his own terms rather than accepting a substantially diminished role.

ITV has not issued a detailed public statement addressing the latest report. Earlier comments from the broadcaster emphasised appreciation for Tom’s contribution and left the door open to future collaboration, but the current position, according to the reporting, is that no return is planned. Fans who signed a peтιтion earlier in the autumn calling for his reinstatement as a full-time coach will see the development as further confirmation that the show is moving into a new era without him. Whether that era can replicate the chemistry and audience loyalty ᴀssociated with his presence remains an open question as series 15 moves into production. After thirteen years in the red chair, Sir Tom Jones has, by the accounts available, chosen not to return even in a guest capacity. The next chapter of The Voice UK will unfold without him.