The Voice's Tom Jones addresses Olly Murs' shock exit from ITV show

Olly and Tom on The Voice (Image: ITV)

Sir Tom Jones has opened up about his good friend Olly Murs's recent departure from The Voice. The iconic Welsh singer, age 84, returned to the ITV singing competition's panel with Will.i.am, and new judges LeAnn Rimes, and McFly's Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

Olly, alongside Anne-Marie, who were coaches on the 2023 series, were replaced by LeAnn, Tom and Danny.

Speaking on the matter, Sir Tom claimed that Olly was "really bothered" by his exit from the show, where he had served as a coach for six years.

At the time of his departure, Olly expressed that things behind the scenes weren't as smooth as some might assume. It was reported that the shake-up was driven by producers intent on appealing to a younger audience with new judges.

Discussing the situation with the Daily Mail, Sir Tom said: "We've both been on the road, but when it happened we talked quite a bit. He didn't want to leave, he loved doing the show," reports Birmingham Live.

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Tom Jones claims Olly was bothered by his exit (Image: ITV)

"It really bothered him, he didn't like it. He's married now and has a kid, so his life has changed. But it definitely bothered him."

When addressing his own exit, Olly was straightforward, confessing to The Sun: "I don't want to sit here like other artists might, and shine and gloss this up and say, 'It was my decision'."

"I don't want to do that. I don't want to b******* my fans or ******* people who watch the show, and say, 'Oh, it was an amicable decision to leave - I've got lots of things on next year, I can't do it anymore'."

Despite fans feeling sad about Olly's departure, the new coaches have been well-received by viewers watching.

The Voice: Tom Jones and LeAnn Rimes sing together

Speaking ahead of the series, Tom and Danny said about their new role: "To be making The Voice UK history as the first-ever double chair combo is going to be epic and we’re both ready for the challenge. And of course, we couldn’t ask to be in greater company than our fellow Voice family members Emma, will, Sir Tom, and LeAnn. Roll on the talent!"

LeAnn added: "I’m truly excited and grateful to take on the role of coach on The Voice UK’ and to be joining an epic panel of coaches.

"Being able to work with and nurture emerging, vibrant talent in the UK represents a new chapter of my heart-felt connection with the wonderful fans I’ve had deep ties with for decades.

"I’m looking forward to offering my heart and guidance, sharing what I’ve learned through my own musical journey, and discovering the extraordinary talent that the UK is renowned for."

The Voice is available to watch on the ITV Hub.

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The Voice's Tom Jones addresses Olly Murs' shock exit from ITV show

The Voice's Tom Jones addresses Olly Murs' shock exit from ITV show

The Voice's Tom Jones addresses Olly Murs' shock exit from ITV show

The Voice's Tom Jones addresses Olly Murs' shock exit from ITV show

The Voice's Tom Jones addresses Olly Murs' shock exit from ITV show