The Voice's viewers vent their fury at Tom Jones' sacking as 'furious' Will.i.am 'is left in tears by sudden axe'

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By CONNIE RUSK, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR

Published: 22:19 BST, 12 September 2026 | Updated: 22:29 BST, 12 September 2026

The Voice viewers have shared their thoughts on Tom Jones' shock sacking as Saturday's episode aired. 

This week, Sir Tom, 86, hit out at ITV and claimed he was axed 'last-minute' after 13 years on the judging panel, with the new line-up then announced as having Cheryl as a coach. 

Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon are set to replace Emma Willis as hosts on The Voice UK, after she landed the coveted role as a presenter on Strictly Come Dancing.

And as the current series, starring Tom, aired, viewers hit out on X as they asked: 'Why are they getting rid of Tom Jones?' 

They wrote: 'Can't believe they've sacked the legend Tom Jones and replaced him with Stacey Solomon. What does she know about musical talent? About mentoring a singer? ITV are making a mockery of #thevoice'

'Why the f**k are they getting rid of Tom Jones on The Voice again?? He’s the only one who actually knows how to sing out of the judges.'

The Voice viewers have shared their thoughts on Tom Jones' shock sacking as Saturday's episode aired

It comes amid reports fellow coach Will.i.am was up in tears over Sir Tom Jones's exit and is said to be 'furious' at his sacking

'Keep Tom, Keep Tom, Keep Tom.' 

'Keep Tom Jones and get rid of the producer of The Voice. How about that?' 

It comes amid reports fellow coach Will.i.am was up in tears over Sir Tom Jones's exit and is said to be 'furious' at his sacking. 

A source told The Sun: 'Will.i.am has made no secret of how he feels about Tom Jones’ sacking so producers were already nervous ahead of the first show – and they had every right to be because during the first filming session of the new series on Friday in Manchester, he broke down crying – and said the only reason he had returned was because he had Tom’s blessing.

'When the judges first came out, producers asked them to start talking about the year ahead and the news season. They asked Will to kick things off but he just refused.

'It was so awkward – he crossed his arms like a child and Kelly had to jump in instead to talk about how excited she was to be back.' 

The Daily Mail has contacted ITV and will.i.am's representatives for comment. 

The new series of The Voice, which started filming earlier this week, has been marred in controversy, after it emerged that Tom would not be returning as a coach on the show. 

And as the current series, starring Tom, aired viewers hit out on X as they asked: 'Why are they getting rid of Tom Jones?'

This week, Sir Tom, 86, hit out at ITV and claimed he was axed 'last-minute' after 13 years on the judging panel, with the new line-up then announced as having Cheryl as a coach 

Stacey Solomon (left) and Alesha Dixon (right) are set to replace Emma Willis as hosts on The Voice UK , after she landed the coveted role as a presenter on Strictly Come Dancing 

Tom has since insisted it wasn't his decision to leave and said ITV 'fired' him 'because of a financial difficulty with insurance'.

In a statement confirming the lineup, ITV bosses thanked Tom for his work on the show, saying: '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.'

Fellow coach will.i.am, who will remain on the show alongside Kelly Rowland, has vented his fury over Tom's being dropped from the show, with sources claiming he's made his feelings known backstage. 

Sources have revealed that despite Cheryl and Aitch being welcomed as new additions to the lineup, any excitement on set has been replaced by awkwardness over the row.