Tom Jones has said ITV “made the decision” to “fire” him from The Voice UK judging 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, Jones said he was “not thrilled” about what ITV offered him instead of being a judge.
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.
Source: Press Association