Sir Tom Jones has said ITV “made the decision” to “fire” him from The Voice UK coaching panel.
The singer, 86, has served as an on-off coach on the popular singing competition since its 2012 debut.
Following rumours that he may not return to the panel for the upcoming series, Sir Tom said he was “not thrilled” about what ITV offered him instead of being a coach.
In a statement on Instagram, he wrote: “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 told just 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.
“They are offering 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.”
ITV has been contacted for comment.
Speculation recently emerged that the star – famed for 1960s classics like It’s Not Unusual and What’s New, Pussycat? – would be “dropped” ahead of the 2027 series, which is due to begin production shortly.
A show insider had told the Press Association: “ITV absolutely loves working with Sir Tom. They are in talks with him and are hopeful he will return to the series.”
In the latest series of the show, Sir Tom appeared on the panel alongside McFly stars Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, US rapper Will.i.am and Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland.
He has mentored three champions on the show: Leanne Mitchell in series one, Ruti Olajugbagbe in series seven, and Anthonia Edwards in series 11.
The Voice debuted on BBC One in 2012, with ITV acquiring the rights for the sixth series.
Sir Tom previously left before the fifth series in 2016 and criticised the BBC’s “sub-standard behaviour” for axing him from the show with just a 24-hour warning.
The Welsh singer has sold more than 100 million records during his career.
He has had three UK number one singles, won two Brit Awards and was made an OBE in 1998.