Sir Tom Jones has received an apology from the BBC almost two weeks after he was axed from The Voice with "no consultation or conversation". The BBC's television boss Danny Cohen said he was "truly sorry" for upsetting the musician in a statement released on Tuesday.
"I've got huge respect for Tom and I'm truly sorry he's upset because I'm a big fan of his," Danny said. "I think he's a gentleman, I think he's an extraordinary figure in music and you'll have seen the huge respect that all artists have had for him on The Voice throughout."
Danny added that "no role was ever promised" to Sir Tom on the fifth series, but that he would like to see him back on the BBC "very soon".
Tom Jones has received an apology from BBC boss Danny Cohen
The apology comes after Sir Tom said he was "shocked and disappointed" that he was told he was being let go from his role as a coach on the entertainment show just 24 hours before they announced his replacement.
"About The Voice UK: In good faith, as part of the team, I'd put the time in my schedule to be involved in series five, as I've done so for the last four years," Tom explained on Facebook. "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."
The 75-year-old went on to say that the "sub-standard behaviour from the executives is very disappointing", and received an outpouring of support from fans - many of whom said they wouldn't be watching the show now that he would no longer be on it.
Sir Tom Jones has been a coach on the show for four years
It was announced earlier in the month that Sir Tom would not be returning to the show, with his seat on the coaching panel being taken by Boy George. Singer Paloma Faith was also announced as a new coach, replacing Rita Ora, who is now a judge on rival show The X Factor.
New coach Boy George said he was "thrilled" to be on the show, while Paloma said she is "really excited" to be joining Ricky Wilson and Will.i.am to film the new series.