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Sir Tom Jones will return to The Voice UK when the talent show makes its debut on ITV, two years after criticising the BBC for firing him from its judging panel.

The Voice UK, which ran for five series on BBC1, moved channels when ITV acquired its rights last year. Jones will be joined on the panel by Oscar-winning actor and singer Jennifer Hudson and rock star Gavin Rossdale, lead singer of Bush.

Long-running coach will.i.am – the only star to have appeared on every series of the UK version of the show – will complete the lineup for the singing competition, which is set to air in 2017.

Jones, who was replaced by Boy George in the final BBC series, said: “I’m looking forward to returning to my big red chair on The Voice UK. I had some great times on the show and I can’t wait to again discover and help some brand new talent. And of course be back with my pal will.i.am.”

The 76-year-old won the series in 2012 with his act Leanne Mitchell. He left after the fourth series in 2015 and criticised the BBC for dropping him from the show with just a 24-hour warning before the official announcement.

At the time he wrote on his Facebook page: “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 substandard behaviour is very disappointing.”

During his time as judge on the BBC version of the show, Jones had to explain himself after he described the singing talent as “****” as he launched the fourth series.

The singer later clarified the comments, saying: “I have got to clear something up. When I said what’s the talent like this year and I said ‘****’, it was a joke – and I like to joke.”

Hudson, 35, rose to prominence on American Idol 2004, coming in seventh place but going on to have a successful music and Hollywood career. Her credits include a best supporting actress Oscar for the 2006 musical Dreamgirls and a Grammy award for her eponymous debut album in 2009.

She said: “I couldn’t be more excited. The UK has always been so supportive of me since the beginning of my career so I’m really looking forward to sharing my point of view with the contestants.”

Rossdale, 48, is known for being a member of 1990s rock group Bush, whose debut album Sixteen Stone is certified six times multi-platinum.

He is also known for his high-profile marriage and subsequent split this year from No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani, and for being the father of model and Strictly Come Dancing star Daisy Lowe.

Rossdale said he was “so thrilled to be joining The Voice UK” after previously appearing as a guest on the US version of the series two years ago. He added: “I have always been extremely proud to fly the flag for British rock music and I can’t wait to join this incredible panel and help discover some new talent.”

Siobhan Greene, head of entertainment, ITV Network, said: “All four coaches are global artists in the music industry and are at the top of their game.”

Emma Willis will return to present after joining the programme in 2014. The winner will receive a contract with Polydor Records, home to acts including Take That, Ellie Goulding and the 1975.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/20...-voice-itv-bbc

Very disappointing lineup apart from Jennifer tbh (and maybe Will). They had the right idea in axing Tom last time and I've no idea who Gavin is.