Jones loses Voice and attacks the BBC
TOM Jones has accused BBC bosses of disrespecting him and ‘sub- standard behaviour’ after they axed him from The Voice UK with only a day’s warning.
The corporation has hired Boy George, 54, – whose mother is Irish – to replace Jones, 75, for the fifth series which returns in January.
Announcing a new judging line-up yesterday, which also includes pop star Paloma Faith, BBC bosses thanked Jones for his contribution to The Voice. But just hours later, the singer posted on Facebook: ‘ 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 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.’
While he said he ‘wished the show well’ he said that ‘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’.
A source close to the show told the Mail that Jones had asked BBC bosses for a significant pay rise on his reported £500,000-ayear contract. A BBC spokesman would not confirm whether such a request had been made but denied money played any part in the decision to axe the legendary singer.