Veteran Welsh crooner Sir Tom Jones has hit out at BBC bosses after they failed to properly discuss plans to replace him as a judge on The Voice UK before making a formal announcement.
The Voice producers revealed on Friday that British singers Paloma Faith and Boy George had been appointed as new coaches on the upcoming fifth season of the talent contest, in place of Jones and Rita Ora, who quit the show after one year to switch to rival singing contest The X Factor.
The news emerged just weeks after Jones admitted he "would love to be back" for another series in an interview last month, and now the 'It's Not Unusual' hit maker has expressed his disappointment at the way BBC executives handled the line-up change.
In a candid post on Facebook on Friday, he writes, "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. 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."
Despite the unprofessional move, Jones insists he holds no grudges against the show's cast and crew.
Concluding the note, he adds, "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."
Faith and George will sit on the judging panel with Will.i.am and Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson when the auditions begin in Manchester, England next month, ahead of the TV season premiere in January.
WENN.com
