// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
I was fired from The Voice - I didn't want to leave, says Sir Tom Jones
Sir Tom Jones has appeared as an on-off coach on the singing competition since it premiered in 2012
Sir Tom Jones has said he did not want to leave The Voice, saying he "loves the show" and ITV made the decision to "fire" him from the judging panel.
The Welsh singer, 86, has appeared as an on-off coach on the singing competition since it premiered in 2012.
Following rumours that he may not return to the panel for the upcoming series, Sir Tom said the broadcaster decided a while ago and "I was told recently".
ITV has been asked to comment, but the Press Association reported that a source at the show was "hopeful" the singer would return for its upcoming series.
In a social media post, the star said: "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."
The programme's 2027 series was due to begin production soon.