Sir Tom Jones has opened up about the death of his beloved wife Linda, saying music is helping him to cope with her loss.
The musician spent some time away from the spotlight after Linda passed away following a short battle with cancer in April, but has since reprised his role as a coach on The Voice - something he says is a welcome distraction from his grief.
Speaking to The Sun at the launch of the ITV show, Sir Tom explained: "I've got back on the stage. That first step was a big one. Now I realise music is saving my life.
© Photo: PASir Tom Jones said music has saved him following the death of his wife Linda
"When my wife passed away I didn't know if I would be able to sing again. It was devastating," he said. "The busier I am, the better I feel. Thank god I've got a chance to come back and prove I really belong on this show."
It was announced in September that Sir Tom had returned to the judging panel of The Voice, just one year after he was axed from the show and replaced by Boy George.
The 76-year-old had previously kept a relatively low profile, making his first public appearance at the Hay Festival in June to discuss his autobiography.
© Photo: PALinda passed away in April after a short battle with cancer
The Delilah singer moved many members of the audience to tears as he gave an open and emotional talk about his wife, who he had been married to for 59 years.
Speaking about the grief he dealt with following his wife's sudden death, Sir Tom told the audience: "It's very difficult, the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. We were married for 59 years, we knew each other since we were kids. It was fast, she had cancer. "
The entertainer added: "I realise even more now, how important she was to me."
