Ricky Wilson Praises ‘The Voice' Bosses, Despite Tom Jones Controversy

Ricky Praises 'The Voice' Bosses, Despite Sir Tom Controversy
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Ricky Wilson has praised ‘The Voice UK’ bosses for their new hires, Boy George and Paloma Faith, despite the fact his former colleague Tom Jones is less than pleased with the BBC.

The Kaiser Chiefs frontman has specifically singled out Boy George’s appointment for celebration.

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Ricky Wilson and Tom Jones

Speaking to the Star, he explains: “Culture Club's ‘Colour By Numbers’ was the first album I ever owned. And having met George a couple of times, I know there is never a dull moment with him.

“That will no doubt make for an unpredictable and thrilling series."

Ricky’s comments come just days after Tom’s clarification on why he isn’t returning to the talent show.

Despite initial reports stating that Tom had chosen to leave, the ‘It’s Not Unusual’ singer revealed that he was sacked by the BBC, adding that he found out he would not be returning just 24 hours before the new coaches were announced.

“In good faith, as part of the team, I’d put the time in my schedule to be involved in Series 5, as I’ve done so for the last 4 years,” he wrote in a statement posted 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.”

“This sub-standard behaviour from the executives is very disappointing.”

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Boy George's appointment came as a surprise to fans

The Culture Club singer and Paloma will join Ricky and will.i.am to film the next round of ‘The Voice’ auditions later this year.

Boy George has shared his excitement ahead of filming, stating: “I'm thrilled and excited to be a coach on ‘The Voice UK’. I'm a huge fan of the show and have watched and engaged with it from series one.

“If I can help someone to win I will be delighted. What a wonderful opportunity to share my experiences and help someone move forward with their musical career. I can't wait to sit in that chair!”

'The Voice' UK: Where Are They Now?
Jermain Jackman(01 of12)
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It wasn't until the third series of The X Factor that it found its first international star in winner Leona Lewis. With Jermain Jackman's much-anticipated debut album due for release in March, time will tell if he can be The Voice's first ever break-out star... (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Leanne Mitchell(02 of12)
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Sadly, the show's first ever winner found herself dropped last year, after releasing just one album. Leanne has since blamed the fact her label waited too long after her victory on 'The Voice' in releasing the album for its lack of commercial success, claiming she's happy she didn't "cop out" and release a covers album. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Tyler James(03 of12)
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Tyler "I Was Best Friends With Amy Winehouse" James (she's mentioned six times on his Wikipedia page alone) was a fan-favourite during the first series of 'The Voice', famously performing a duet with will.i.am dangling from the ceiling.Sadly this didn't translate to a fruitful music career and his last offering in 2012 stalled at number 47 in the UK album chart. (credit:REX/Brian Rasic)
Bo Bruce(04 of12)
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Despite having the most commercial success of any of the former 'Voice' stars, Bo hasn't exactly had an easy time since leaving the competition, quitting her record label after two singles due to a "lack of support" and eventually checking into rehab for exhaustion.She's since branded former coach Danny O'Donaghue a "wanker" after admitting that they shared a snog while she was still being mentored by him on the show.Bo collaborated with top DJ Chicane on a dance track last year. (credit:Rex/Jason Sheldon)
Vince Kidd(05 of12)
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Had the people who voted on 'The X Factor' also voted on 'The Voice', Vince would probably have won, and could potentially be one of the biggest faces on the music scene, even three years later.Sadly, this was not the case, and Leanne took the crown while Vince came in fourth place (potentially down to the fact he performed one of Jessie J's lesser-known songs as his 'coaches duet').That said, Vince is still making music, and last year co-wrote and provided vocals for the Alpines' track 'Zero'. (credit:Rex)
Twinnie Lee Moore(06 of12)
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Already a successful musical theatre actress when she auditioned for 'The Voice' in 2012, Twinnie Lee has since focused on her acting career, and made a storm in 'Hollyoaks' when she arrived on the scene as Porsche McQueen in November last year.She also, judging from this photo, loves a good hat. (credit:Rex/Tom Horton)
Jamie Johnson(07 of12)
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After performing with legends like Kylie Minogue and Justin Timberlake in the space of a year thanks to his appearance on 'The Voice', Jamie has now said he's determined to make a splash in America, insisting: "I just don’t want half the cake, I want the whole cake." (credit:Rex/Beretta/Sims)
Leah McFall(08 of12)
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One of the most unanimously-praised 'Voice' contestants ever, kooky and talented Leah is due to release her debut album 'Weird To Wonderful' later this year.She's been in the studio with former mentor, will.i.am, collaborating with him on the track, 'Home'. (credit:Neil Lupin via Getty Images)
Andrea Begley(09 of12)
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Andrea famously caused will.i.am to storm off set when she was announced as winner in 2013, over his act, Leah McFall.Since taking her place on the 'Voice' throne, Andrea has hit the UK top ten with an album of covers, 'The Message'.Last year, she also completed her Masters degree in Law and Governance... which would appear to suggest we won't be hearing a follow-up album for the time being. (credit:Harlem Mepham via Getty Images)
Max Milner(10 of12)
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Don't let that haphazard peace sign deceive you - Max is actually on of the former contestants to still be making music, performing alongside Kaiser Chiefs at the launch of Jaguar's new model last year.He also recently unveiled his latest release, 'Man Overboard'. (credit:Rex/Ray Tang)
Sally Barker(11 of12)
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Sally may not have been the winner of 'The Voice' last year, but she still managed to thrash eventual-champion Jermain Jackman in terms of single sales, charting 15 places higher than him the week after the show ended.Following her success on the show, Sally completed a UK tour at the tail-end of 2014. (credit:Alex Huckle via Getty Images)
Bungle(12 of12)
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From what we can gather, he's still living comfortably with Zippy and George in the 'Rainbow' house, following his brief appearance on 'The Voice' this year. (credit:Rex/Freemantle Media Ltd.)