Boy George
Boy George to replace Tom Jones as coach on The Voice Reuters

Pop star Boy George will replace Sir Tom Jones as a coach on upcoming series of The Voice.

The Karma Chameleon songwriter will be joined by new coach Paloma Faith, who replaces X Factor-bound Rita Ora, and returning coaches will.i.am and Ricky Wilson.

George said in a statement: "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," he added. "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."

It was reported that musician will.i.am, who has been with the show since it began in 2012, was set to leave the show because no contestant has gone on to have success after appearing on the show.

According to the Daily Star, producers of the music talent TV show offered the former Black Eyed Peas musician a substantial pay increase to return to the show.

It has been hoped that the new line-up will refresh the TV show which has waned in popularity recently.

BBC One controller Charlotte Moore said: "Boy George and Paloma will bring a wealth of musical talent, expertise and unpredictability to our new coaching line-up. Their originality and flair will shake things up on the red chairs and take the audience by surprise. I'm thrilled to welcome back will.i.am and Ricky and would like to personally thank Sir Tom Jones for his dedication and commitment to the last four series."

Welshman Jones, 75, was left fuming after he was unceremoniously axed from the show, accusing BBC executives of "sub-standard behaviour" because they announced his replacement shortly after getting rid of him.

The show's regular hosts Emma Willis and Marvin Humes will return to the series which will conduct blind auditions in Manchester next month, with the series launching on BBC One in January.

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