What happened between will.i.am and Sir Tom Jones on The Voice UK in recent weeks has taken on new meaning for fans following the dramatic changes to the show’s coaching lineup.

The two musicians shared the coaching panel during the latest series, alongside Kelly Rowland and McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones. Their time together created plenty of memorable moments, but it was will.i.am’s recent public show of support that has brought their relationship on the programme back into focus.

After ITV announced that Sir Tom would no longer return as a full-time coach for Series 15, a fan campaign was launched calling for the legendary Welsh singer to be reinstated.

Will.i.am subsequently shared the peтιтion on Instagram, giving the campaign a significant boost. The peтιтion, started by superfan Aaron Howlett, had gathered more than 63,000 signatures from around the world by late September.

Sir Tom had previously spoken publicly about his departure, saying he had wanted to remain with the programme and was unhappy with the reduced role that had been discussed. ITV, meanwhile, said it had loved working with him and thanked him for the years of unforgettable moments he brought to the show.

For fans, will.i.am’s decision to share the peтιтion has become an important part of the story. Rather than simply marking the end of an era, his gesture showed that the conversation surrounding Sir Tom’s future on the programme was still very much alive.

ITV has already announced that Series 15 will feature will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, Cheryl and Aitch as coaches, with Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon taking over hosting duties. The new series is scheduled to air in 2027.

There has been no official announcement that Sir Tom will return as a full-time coach. But as fans continue to campaign for his comeback, will.i.am’s public support has ensured that the question surrounding Sir Tom’s place on The Voice UK remains firmly in the spotlight.

Source: BBC News and ITV Press Centre