Will.i.am expresses fiery opinion over Sir Tom Jones’ ‘firing’ from ‘The Voice UK’

Will.i.am has reportedly been left "furious" about Sir Tom Jones' "firing" from The Voice UK.

Earlier this week, the 86-year-old music icon claimed ITV told him "financial" reasons caused his exit as a coach after 14 years, and Tom's removal is said to have sparked an atmosphere behind the scenes of the network's singing competition.

A source told The Sun newspaper, "Welcome drinks are usually put on by ITV at a top five-star hotel, and it’s a nice way for everyone to meet before filming. But not this year.”

"It’s seriously awkward as Will.i.am is furious with how producers have handled things and is making his feelings known behind the scenes,” they revealed, adding, "Last weekend Sir Tom was packing his bags for the judges’ meeting, now he’s been dropped. How he’s been treated is awful."

Cheryl reportedly did not know she would be replacing Tom on The Voice UK, joining Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am, Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland and 26-year-old rapper Aitch as coaches.

And the former Girls Aloud member is said to be feeling "pretty uncomfortable" about taking Tom's seat, which the coaches can choose to spin around to face a contestant during the blind auditions if they want to work with them.

The insider spilled, "It’s pretty uncomfortable for Cheryl, who is close with Will and has looked up to Kelly all her career.”

"This is her big TV comeback, and right now ITV are letting her be the fall guy for taking Sir Tom’s seat. None of this is her fault, it’s been handled atrociously by the bosses,” the source claimed.

Tom has also responded to reports that he was stepping back as a coach and becoming a "super mentor" on The Voice UK, insisting he "did not want to leave."

In a statement shared on Instagram, the Delilah hitmaker said, "To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. ITV made this decision - obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently. The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance.”

Tom continued, "They now say in the press they wanted to 'refresh' the show, and with a new coaching line-up there wouldn't be a chair for me.”

"They are offering a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I'm not thrilled about that,” he further penned, adding, "So, the only thing I know right now, is that there's never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who's still pretty good at his job."

News of Tom's departure was first reported by The Sun newspaper on Monday night as an insider revealed, "Everyone loves Sir Tom, but there was a feeling that the upcoming series needed a major refresh. With Aitch and Cheryl coming on board and Kelly returning with will.i.am, there just wasn’t a seat going."