Sir Tom Jones has confirmed his exit from The Voice UK after the current series, stating that ITV has shown him the door. In a candid statement, the 86-year-old singer expressed his anger and heartbreak over the decision, calling it a move that could prove fatal for the show.
Ratings have plummeted since 2012
The Voice UK's ratings have dropped significantly since it first launched on the BBC in 2012, when it attracted around 8 million viewers per episode. Today, the show is lucky to lure in more than a quarter of that number.
Despite its popularity, the show has never produced any major stars, with the exception of series 1 semifinalist Becky Hill, who arguably found success despite The Voice rather than because of it.
Sir Tom Jones was a constant thread of credibility
The judging panel has rotated frequently, but Sir Tom Jones, who has only missed one season, and will.i.am, who hasn't missed any, have been the show's constant thread of credibility. Their unlikely but enduring double act has likely kept the show alive.
In the US, The Voice has always been a much bigger hit, even if it has also failed to find anyone to light up the charts. It's about to go into its 30th season with a panel of Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, Queen Latifah, and Riley Green – a panel of undeniably legendary status.
Who could replace Sir Tom Jones?
Sir Tom is tipped to be replaced by X Factor icon Cheryl and I'm A Celebrity finalist Aitch. While bringing Cheryl back onto reality TV is a stroke of genius, and reuniting her with will.i.am could lure her back into the recording studio, there's still a distinct lack of star power.
Olly Murs, Anne-Marie, McFly's Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher are all hugely successful artists, but they don't quite capture the essence of a real legend. Aitch might be current and hugely popular in the jungle, but he hasn't earned a spot in a swinging red chair occupied by some of the biggest artists of all time.
The show has lost its purpose
Getting rid of Sir Tom Jones doesn't solve the show's problems, it exacerbates them. He was the last reason for older generations to tune in, and the final shot the show has to credibly claim to be a world-class singing contest.
Kelly Rowland, already confirmed for the new line-up, has gone down well with audiences following her first two episodes. But beyond her, no one on the rumoured series 15 panel is renowned for vocal prowess like Sir Tom.
Unlike its rival The X Factor, The Voice has largely steered clear of controversy. It's always been kind where so many shows like it have thrived on being anything but. It was always about the talent, never the drama.
If ITV wants to salvage its woeful Saturday night ratings, which earlier this year sank to an all-time low across all channels, getting rid of Sir Tom Jones isn't the answer. Without its greatest voice, the show risks losing its remaining audience.
