Sir Tom Jones accuses BBC execs of "sub-standard behaviour" following The Voice axe
Sir Tom Jones has accused BBC executives of "sub-standard behaviour" after being axed from The Voice in favour of Boy George.
The BBC unveiled the show's new coaching line up yesterday afternoon, revealing Jones - a coach since the first season - would not be appearing on the upcoming fifth series.
Following the announcement Jones posted on his Facebook page that he was told he would not be returning with "no consultation or conversation of any kind."
"Having been through plenty of transformations throughout the years, I support and admire creative change," he wrote. "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."
In the first series of the show Jones mentored Leanne Mitchell to victory and last month said he was looking forward to returning to the show which has seen numerous judging line-ups.
Ricky Wilson and Will.i.am are returning to the panel alongside Boy George and Paloma Faith, who takes Rita Ora's place following her move to ITV rival The X Factor.
A BBC spokesperson said, “The final decision on the coaches’ line up for series 5 of The Voice was only taken on Wednesday and Tom's team was informed early yesterday morning. We then announced it to the press so that it didn't leak. This has been the same every year and no role was ever promised.”