BBC finally apologises after axing Tom Jones from The Voice

The Voice UK returns for a fifth season early next year, but one notable face will be missing from the judging panel… Welsh music legend Tom Jones.

Tom took to Facebook earlier this month to express his disappointment after he was abruptly axed from the show in favour of Boy George, something the BBC informed him of just 24 hours before the new line-up went public.

While the broadcasting company first defended their decision, saying "no role was ever promised," one BBC director has spoken out to apologise to the singer.

"I've got huge respect for Tom and I'm truly sorry he's upset, because I am a big fan of his," BBC's director of television Danny Cohen said. "I think he's a gentleman, I think he's an extraordinary figure in music and you'll have seen the huge respect that all of the artists have had for him on The Voice throughout."

Danny added that he hoped Tom would be returning for a new project with the BBC "very soon."

In his original statement on Facebook, Tom accused BBC execs of "sub-standard behaviour" for not informing him of the line-up changes well ahead of time. 

"In good faith, as part of the team, I’d put the time in my schedule to be involved in Series 5, as I’ve done so for the last 4 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," he explained.

"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."

Former coaches will.i.am and Ricky Wilson will return to the line-up this year, with Paloma Faith and Boy George taking over from Rita Ora and Tom.