Will.i.am is missing his former The Voice co-judge Sir Tom Jones, who was axed from the show earlier this year – and says it’s “mayhem” without him.

Sir Tom was distraught at being given the boot, and now Will.i.am has revealed his own anguish.

Will.i.am
Will.i.am (Joel Ryan/Invision)

He told the Sunday Times: “Tom made me feel safe. He’s wise and experienced. You can learn from him.

“Also, he had this ability to keep everybody in their place. You never want to act up around your elders.”

He explained that Sir Tom was a stabilising influence on the show, and had left a void that is left to be filled.

Tom Jones
Tom Jones (Joe Giddens/PA)

The hip-hop singer said: “This season, it’s like the parent’s gone and then everybody acts up. It’s high drama, freakin’ mayhem.”

Sir Tom was controversially axed from the show in August at short notice, and replaced by a new line-up featuring Boy George and Paloma Faith.

Spurned, he then posted on his Facebook page: “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 for the last four years.

The coaches from The Voice (left to right) Ricky Wilson, Paloma Faith, Boy George and Will.i.am
The coaches from The Voice: Ricky Wilson, Paloma Faith, Boy George and Will.i.am (John Giles/PA)

“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.”

He continued: “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 sub-standard behaviour from the executives is very disappointing.”