BBC Boss Sorry To Have Upset Tom Jones Over 'The Voice' Axe
Danny Cohen, the BBC’s Director of television has said he feels ‘sorry’ that Tom Jones was upset after the singer was dropped as a judge on talent ‘The Voice’ earlier this month. Following his axing Jones had hit out at the BBC in a Facebook post, saying he had been dropped from the show without ‘conversation or consultation’ by the BBC.
“I’ve got huge respect for Tom and I’m truly sorry he’s upset, really sorry,” Mr Cohen said. “I’m a big fan of his, I think he’s a gentleman and an extraordinary figure in music and you’ll have seen the huge respect all the artists on The Voice have had for him throughout.”
“These things happen over time but I never would have wanted Tom to be upset and I’m sorry that is the case. I’d like to have him back on the BBC this year, in something else. Absolutely. I hope he’s back on the BBC very soon, I really do,” the BBC boss added.
More: Tom Jones Hits Out At The BBC After Being Axed From 'The Voice’
Mr Cohen also said that he was ‘excited’ about the show’s new look judging panel which sees Paloma Faith and Boy George joining the team alongside Will.i.am and Ricky Wilson. The show’s fifth series, will start on BBC1 in January.
After Jones’ exit from ‘The Voice’ was announced the veteran singer had criticised the show’s producers in a post on his Facebook page. ‘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,’ Jones wrote.
‘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.’
More: Paloma Faith And Boy George In, Sir Tom Jones Out In 'The Voice' Shake Up
‘This sub-standard behaviour from the executives is very disappointing,’ Jones added. ‘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.’
In response to the singer’s Facebook post the BBC told NewsBeat at the time, ‘The final decision on the coaches line up for series five 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.’