Scottish Daily Mail

Tom Jones slams BBC as he’s axed from Voice

And look at his replacemen­t!

- By Sam Creighton TV & Radio Reporter

SIR Tom Jones has accused BBC bosses of disrespect and ‘ substandar­d behaviour’ after they axed him from The Voice with only a day’s warning.

The star, 75, who has been a judge on the BBC1 show since its first series, told fans yesterday that the decision had been made ‘with no consultati­on or conversati­on of any kind’.

Instead the corporatio­n has roped in ex- convict and former drug addict Boy George, 54, to replace Sir Tom for the fifth series of the flagship night show which returns to screens in January.

Announcing a new judging line-up yesterday, which also includes eccentric pop star Paloma Faith, BBC bosses thanked Sir Tom for his contributi­on to The Voice, making his departure sound amicable. But just hours later, Sir Tom, who was given his knighthood for services to music in 2006, took to social media to set the record straight.

He posted on Facebook: ‘About The Voice UK: In good faith, as part of the team, I’d put the time in my schedule to be involved in series five, as I’ve done for the last four 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.’

Fans of The Voice reacted angrily to the news.

One wrote on social media: ‘There is no sense of loyalty or respect any more. Sorry this has happened to you.’ Another added: ‘ How vile of them.

‘A matter of respect’

They’ve lost the only bit of class on the show.’ Many say they will boycott the programme over his treatment.

Sir Tom, who just last month said he was looking forward to being back on the show, is the oldest judge to have worked on the programme and was popular with many contestant­s who valued his experience.

He mentored Leanne Mitchell to victory in the first series. He has sold more than 100million records and topped the charts around the globe with hits such as Green, Green Grass of Home, Delilah and Sex Bomb.

A source close to the show told the Daily Mail that Sir Tom had asked BBC bosses for a significan­t rise on his reported £500,000 a year contract.

A BBC spokesman would not confirm if such a request had been made but denied money played any part in the decision to axe the respected singer.

Former Culture Club singer Boy George is known for his eccentric dress sense and love of make-up. He has talked openly about his battles with drug and drink addiction and also his brushes with the law.

In 2009 he was sentenced to 15 months in jail for falsely imprisonin­g a male escort by handcuffin­g him to a wall and beating him with a metal chain. In 2006 he was sentenced to community service in New York after cocaine was found in his Manhattan apartment.

Rocker Ricky Wilson and rapper and producer will.i.am are both returning as judges.

BBC1 controller Charlotte Morgan said she would like to ‘ personally thank Sir Tom Jones f or his dedication and commitment to the last four series’.

The BBC claim the panel is regularly refreshed to maximise the audience’s enjoyment. A spokesman also pointed out that Sir Tom was not fired, as each contract only lasts one season and the singer was simply not given a new one.

A BBC spokesman said: ‘The final decision on the coaches’ line up for series five of The Voice was only taken on Wednesday and Tom’s team was informed early yesterday (Thursday) morning. We then announced it to the press so that it didn’t leak. This has been the same every year and no role was ever promised.’

 ??  ?? In, out: Boy George is joining the judges on The Voice in place of Sir Tom Jones
In, out: Boy George is joining the judges on The Voice in place of Sir Tom Jones

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