Sir Tom Jones quits The Voice as Judge for 2016 show

Sir Tom is quitting hit show

Sir Tom Jones quits The Voice as Judge for 2016 show

SIR Tom Jones has sensationally been axed by The Voice as Judge on 2016 show. Paloma Faith and Boy George are set to join the line-up.

The veteran singer will not be returning for next year’s series having spent four years as a judge on the BBC1 singing competition.

Paloma and Boy George will join Will.I.Am and Ricky Wilson on the judging panel when the show returns in January.


The announcement comes after rumours that Will was leaving and Rita Ora left to join ITV’s rival show The X Factor.

Sir Tom won the first series of The Voice in 2012 with singer Leanne Mitchell and became known for namedropping his famous pals.



Boy George is joining the show



Boy George, 54, told of his excitement in replacing the What’s New Pussycat singer.


He said: “I’m thrilled and excited to be a coach on The Voice UK. I’m a huge fan of the show and have watched and engaged with it from series one.

“If I can help someone to win I will be delighted.

“What a wonderful opportunity to share my experiences and help someone move forward with their musical career. I can’t wait to sit in that chair”



Paloma Faith is also a new face on the panel


Paloma said: “I’m really excited about working with creative people who are there not just to be great singers, but also innovative personalities and performers.

“I have a long history of helping break artists as in my club nights I booked Kate Nash, Adele and The Noisettes before they hit the big time and four of my band members have gone on to pursue successful solo careers.

“I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into something that cultivates the talents of another person and takes the focus off myself for a bit.”

BBC1 controller Charlotte Moore thanked Sir Tom for his “dedication and commitment”.

She said: “Boy George and Paloma will bring a wealth of musical talent, expertise and unpredictability to our new coaching line-up.

“Their originality and flair will shake things up on the red chairs and take the audience by surprise. I’m thrilled to welcome back Will.i.am and Ricky and would like to personally thank Sir Tom Jones for his dedication and commitment to the last four series.”

But furious Sir Tom hit out at the Beeb, claiming he was only told he was being replaced on Thursday. On his official Facebook page, he wrote: “In good faith, as part of the team, I’d put the time in my schedule to be involved in Series 5, as I’ve done s for the last 4 years.

“I’ve supported the show and the BBC since the beginning. I was told yesterday, with no consultation or conversation of any kind, that I would not be returning.

“Having been through plenty of transformations throughout the years, I support and admire creative change. But being informed, as a matter of duty and respect, is an important part of creative relationships.

“This sub-standard behaviour from the executives is very disappointing. I will always admire the courage of the performers who participate in the show, as well as all the production staff who worked tirelessly to make a great family viewing experience for the audience at home. I wish the show well.”

Last year’s line-up, which saw Ricky crowned the winning judge with his act Steve McCrorie, included Rita, Sir Tom and Will.i.am, who is now the only original judge left on the panel.

The original line-up included Will, Sir Tom, Danny O’Donoghue and Jessie J, who was later replaced by Kylie Minogue for the 2014 series.

Yesterday Rihanna revealed she would be joining The Voice US as a “key adviser”.

Emma Willis and Marvin Humes will host the show.