Entertainmentuktv uk celebrityuktvreality

‘The Voice UK’ Coach Tom Jones Faces Criticism From Charity Over Comments On Winner’s Weight

A source at ITV has defended the Welsh superstar.
Open Image Modal
By 

Reporter

Sir Tom Jones is facing criticism from an eating disorder charity, Girls Out Loud, over comments made about one of The Voice’s previous star’s weight.

The welsh crooner was discussing 2012 winner Leanne Mitchell, when he pondered why she had not become a successful artist after triumphing on the show.

Open Image Modal
Sir Tom Jones at the show's London press launch
Jeff Spicer via Getty Images

Addressing the decisions she made after her victory, he told the Mirror: “Leanne had gotten comfortable singing in this holiday camp and she’d put on some weight.

“Rather than take the opportunity of winning ‘The Voice’ and a having chance of getting a record deal, which she did, she put on more weight. She didn’t have the drive.

“It didn’t seem like she grabbed hold of it with both hands and say ‘This is my chance’.”

The comments have sparked outrage from charity Girls Out Loud, who work to help young women face various pressures during their formative years, with their spokesperson Jane Kenyon telling the paper: “If it was up to me, I’d sack him. It isn’t the behaviour of someone we want to mentor up and coming talent.

“We need zero tolerance on these kind of comments. He should know better and if it’s his view, it is time to put him out to pasture.”

Open Image Modal
Tom mentored Leanne on the first series (which, yes, was presented by Holly Willoughby)
BBC

However, Tom has been defended by an unnamed source at the programme, who tells ITV: “Tom was making a point about grasping an opportunity and genuinely meant no offence.”

The ‘It’s Not Unusual’ singer is making his ‘The Voice’ return tonight (Saturday 7 January), after a year away from the show.

He was unceremoniously sacked by the BBC and when we caught up with him earlier this week, Tom admitted that he was delighted to be back.

He will be joined on the coaching panel by returning star will.i.am and newbies Jennifer Hudson and Gavin Rossdale, who will both be hoping to make their mark on the show by coaching a winner.

When we caught up with them, Jennifer revealed plans to collaborate with one of her fellow coaches. Here’s what she had to say... 

'The Voice' UK: Where Are They Now?
Lydia Lucy (Finalist, 2016)(01 of14)
Open Image Modal
will.i.am kept his promise of further support, and Lydia performed with the Black Eyed Peas at the Capital Summertime Ball, just months after her series ended. (credit:BBC)
Jermain Jackman (Winner, 2014)(02 of14)
Open Image Modal
It seemed the BBC may finally have found a star with Jermain. Regrettably, this wasn't the case, and his debut album peaked at number 42 in the charts after its 2015 release. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Leanne Mitchell (Winner, 2012)(03 of14)
Open Image Modal
Sadly, the show's first ever winner found herself dropped in 2014, after releasing just one album.

Leanne later 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 was still happy she didn't "cop out" and release a covers album. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Tyler James (Runner-up, 2012)(04 of14)
Open Image Modal
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.

This didn't translate to a fruitful music career, though, and his last offering in 2012 stalled at number 47 in the UK album chart. (credit:REX/Brian Rasic)
Bo Bruce Runner-up, 2012)(05 of14)
Open Image Modal
Despite having the most commercial success of any of the former 'Voice' stars, Bo didn't have an easy time after leaving the competition, and quit her record label after two singles due to a "lack of support", before eventually checking into rehab for exhaustion.

She's since branded former coach DannyO'Donoghue a "wanker" after admitting that they shared a snog while she was still being mentored by him on the show. (credit:Rex/Jason Sheldon)
Vince Kidd (Fourth place, 2012)(06 of14)
Open Image Modal
Vince has continued to make music since appearing on the show, releasing four singles, though none managed to chart in the UK. (credit:Rex)
Twinnie Lee Moore (2002)(07 of14)
Open Image Modal
She was already a successful musical theatre actress when she auditioned for 'The Voice', but none of the judges turned their chairs for Twinnie.

Since then, she's focussed on acting and in 2014, began playing a McQueen in 'Hollyoaks'. She also, judging from this photo, loves a good hat. (credit:Rex/Tom Horton)
Jamie Johnson (Fourth place, 2014)(08 of14)
Open Image Modal
Jamie continued to remain in the public eye after the show, and in 2015, declared that he was going to try and make a splash in America, insisting: "I just don’t want half the cake, I want the whole cake."

While it seems he may not have been successful, Jamie is continuing to make music and keeps fans updated online. (credit:Rex/Beretta/Sims)
Leah McFall (Finalist, 2013)(09 of14)
Open Image Modal
Leah's cover of 'I Will Always Love You' may have charted at number 8 while she was on the show, but her efforts after the competition couldn't match it.

Despite support from will.i.am - who invited her to support him on tour - Leah's debut album failed to materialise, and she was quietly dropped by her label. (credit:Neil Lupin via Getty Images)
Andrea Begley (Winner, 2013)(10 of14)
Open Image Modal
Andrea famously caused will.i.am to storm off set when she was announced as winner over his act, Leah McFall.

Andrea had huge success - by The Voice's standards... - in 2013, when her debut album charted a number 7.

We haven't heard much from her since then though, and after its release, she completed her Masters degree in Law and Governance... which would appear to suggest we won't be hearing a follow-up anytime soon. (credit:Harlem Mepham via Getty Images)
Max Milner (2012)(11 of14)
Open Image Modal
Chart success wasn't Max's forte, but in early 2016, he was still making music and sharing updates with fans. (credit:Rex/Ray Tang)
Sally Barker (Runner-up, 2014)(12 of14)
Open Image Modal
Sally may not have been the winner, but she still managed thrash 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 (2015)(13 of14)
Open Image Modal
From what we can gather, he's still living comfortably with Zippy and George in the 'Rainbow' house, following his brief appearance. (credit:Rex/Freemantle Media Ltd.)
Kevin Simm (Winner, 2016)(14 of14)
Open Image Modal
Former Liberty X star Kevin triumphed on what would be the last BBC series of 'The Voice'.

Unfortunately, he couldn't break the show's curse, and his solo album 'Recover', failed to chart when it was released in October 2016. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
Useful websites and helplines:
  • Beat, call 0845 634 7650 or email fyp@b-eat.co.uk
  • Samaritans, open 24 hours a day,on 08457 90 90 90
  • Mind, open Monday to Friday,9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip