Sweden is imagined as the land of equality, modesty and Jantelagen – the unwritten rule that no one should think they are better than anyone else. But there has also been a fascination within Sweden with its billionaires, especially those who abide by these dominant cultural norms.

In the case of Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of furniture giant IKEA, Swedes appreciated that he drove an old car (a Volvo, of course), engaged with employees working on the floor in his stores, and every year personally handed out Christmas gifts. His (some would say strategic) display of ordinariness made people overlook the fact that Kamprad was one of the world’s richest people and had moved to Switzerland to avoid Sweden’s high taxes.

But things have changed. The Wall Street Journal has written about Sweden’s surprising “capitalist makeover” and the Financial Times has reported on the idea the country is “overflowing with billionaires”. And in 2024 The BBC broadcast a documentary podcast called Super-rich Swedes. There are good reasons for their interest.

We think we know Sweden – a peaceful nation grounded in social democracy, natural beauty, IKEA and Abba. But in 2026, is this still the real Sweden? Ahead of the country’s general election on September 13, The Conversation UK has teamed up with its Swedish partner universities for a series of articles examining why this small nation remains so fascinating.

While for a long time Sweden was a country with some of the world’s highest taxes, this no longer applies to capital taxation. For instance, it no longer has a wealth tax, an inheritance tax or a property tax. The ideal of egalitarianism doesn’t seem to align with patterns of wealth accumulation, especially at the very top.

Forbes calculates more than 50 US-dollar billionaires in Sweden. This becomes even more extraordinary in a country of just 10.6 million people.

We used Forbes and UN data and found that in 2025 Sweden ranked fourth globally, with 4.7 dollar billionaires per million people. When excluding micro-states (fewer than one million people), Sweden is outnumbered only by Singapore (9.9), Hong Kong (9.1) and Cyprus (7.3), but before Switzerland (4.6) in fifth place. It ranks much higher than some of the world’s largest economies like the US (2.7), Germany (2.1), Canada (2.0) and the UK (0.8).

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It is difficult to say for sure whether changes in regulation and wealth concentration have altered cultural norms, but there are clear indicators. Younger generations are now expressing strong materialistic values. When they rank what matters in life, earning money comes second to being with friends and far more important than being with family or getting an education.

Young Swedes and adults alike dream of building a “money machine” by investing in stocks so they can exit the labour market long before retirement. This might be surprising to some, since Sweden has long been shaped by a strong work ethic, both politically and culturally.

In research for a yet-to-be published paper, we found Swedish tabloids and business magazines show a remarkable rise in reporting about billionaires. This includes a fascination with their personal lives and framing them in positive terms such as “entrepreneurs”, “investors” and “philanthropists” (rather than “capitalists”, for example).

Awe and suspicion

This does not mean that wealth is no longer a sensitive topic in Sweden. When studying articles about billionaires in one of the country’s leading tabloids, we found an ambivalent form of “wealth porn”. In Sweden “wealth porn” tends to oscillate between celebrating it and questioning the luxurious lifestyles of billionaires.

The articles tempt readers with drone images and descriptions of lavish mansions – but they also repeatedly point out how reluctant the billionaires are to display and talk about their wealth. This frames the topic as socially sensitive and sometimes even dangerous to the billionaires’ personal safety. Readers are invited to fantasise about life as a billionaire – the transgressive act of breaking Jantelagen adds spice to the fantasy.

This kind of “wealth porn” remains focused on the moral issues around conspicuous consumption. Even though Sweden has long been a model of social democracy, the processes through which billionaires accumulate fortunes, and the political influence such wealth can generate, largely escape scrutiny.

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Swedes’ ambivalence towards billionaires is also illustrated in a recent survey we conducted with a representative sample of the population. We asked people a set of questions about their views on money and wealth – it turned out that many find money a strong personal motivator. These people supported statements like “to have a lot of money is an important driver for me”. This suggests there is no social taboo around trying to get rich.

People also said money matters socially, as they largely supported statements like “money gives status and respect”. This indicates that hiding personal wealth may not be so important. In fact, displaying it might bring social benefits – being seen as a successful entrepreneur and someone to look up to, for example. We also asked about caps on wealth, but found strong support for statements like “one can never have too much money”.

While this indicates that Swedes value wealth, they still hold an ambiguous relationship with the super-rich. People reacted strongly against seeing the rich as “good role models for others”.

Striving to get rich seems to have become more socially acceptable in Sweden. Perhaps it always has been the way, but Swedes just never spoke about it (at least not in public). Actually being rich remains a contested topic. If Jantelagen still exerts any influence, it seems to be centred on shaping attitudes towards the wealthy themselves – rather than as a force to discourage the pursuit of wealth.

Just before 07:30 this morning, National Highways Traffic Officers were dispatched to assist Greater Manchester Police with a police-led incident on the M60.

The M60 clockwise is currently closed between J10 and J11 while police investigations and vehicle recovery are carried out.

At this stage, it is not known when the carriageway will reopen.

Diversion – follow the Solid Square (■) symbol

• Leave the M60 clockwise at J9.
• At the M60 J9/B5158 Lostock Circle Roundabout, take the third exit and follow the A5081 northbound for 1.8 km.
• At the A5081/B5214 Parkway Circle Roundabout, take the second exit and follow the A576 northbound for 0.8 km.
• At the A576/Moonings Road Tenax Circle Roundabout, take the first exit and follow the A576 westbound for 0.2 km.
• At the A576/Guinness Road Guinness Circle Roundabout, take the third exit and follow the A576 northbound for 0.6 km.
• At the A576/Coronet Way Centenary Circle Roundabout, take the first exit and follow the A576 westbound for 0.3 km.
• At the A576/Lankro Way Canal Circle Roundabout, take the second exit and follow the A576 northbound for 0.6 km.
• At the A576/M602 J2 Gilda Brook Roundabout, take the first exit and follow the M602 westbound for 2.7 km.
• Rejoin the M60 at J11.

If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.

Plan ahead; you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.

Further information is available from National Highways via our regional X (Twitter) feed. National Highways’ 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up-to-the-minute information on 0300 123 5000

The England head coach found himself under mounting pressure earlier this year

England head coach Steve Borthwick’s contract will be extended past the 2028 Six Nations, with the Rugby Football Union taking action to clear up any uncertainty over his future.

Borthwick found himself under mounting pressure earlier this year as a dismal Six Nations campaign saw his side fall to their worst finish since the tournament expanded from the Five Nations in 2000. Despite coming into the competition billed as potential Grand Slam winners, England followed an opening-round win over Wales with a run of four defeats, including a first-ever loss to Italy.

After the defeat to Italy, it was indicated that the head coach would be given the summer’s Nations Championship block to save his job, but an RFU investigation into their Six Nations disaster led to him being backed to stay on until next year’s Rugby World Cup.

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Now, following a mixed Nations Championship run, England rugby bosses have gone one step further by extending Borthwick’s current contract beyond the World Cup, as well as the Six Nations in 2028.

The decision has been made to not only ensure that the 46-year-old and his staff have clarity over their positions heading into the World Cup, but also to allow the RFU time to decide on a successor.

Explaining the situation to the BBC, RFU performance director Conor O’Shea said he could not see a scenario where Borthwick isn’t in charge in Australia next year, as he added: “You don’t want them looking for a job going into [a World Cup].

“Everyone knows it will be judged on the World Cup, but you can’t have a group of coaches going in with that uncertainty, especially when you look at the timing. So we will give that certainty, and that will give us time to look properly.”

ITV has reportedly found a replacement for Sir Tom Jones on The Voice UK, after he claimed he has been fired from the show.

The 86-year-old singer has served as an on-off coach since the show’s 2012 debut and has made it clear that he did not want to leave the programme, but the decision was made due to a ‘financial difficulty with insurance’.

Cheryl is said to be the famous face taking up Sir Tom’s spare seat on the show, in what would be her primetime TV return, after a long-running stint as a coach on The X Factor.

If the reports are true, the former Girls Aloud star will join rapper will.i.am and Kelly Rowland, as well as rapper Aitch, who is said to be replacing McFly duo Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher.

A source told The Sun: ‘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.’

It would also be a huge milestone for the show, as the first time two women were on the judging panel at once.

Cheryl’s fans have been left ecstatic at the prospect of the 43-year-old’s return to TV, having most recently served as a coach on The Greatest Dancer in 2020. 

@cheryl_mixer wrote on X: ‘Okay but let’s talk about how iconic it is for Cheryl (Girls Aloud) & Kelly (Destiny’s Child) to be on The Voice together!! Girl band royalty right there!!’

Meanwhile, @CherylDaily wrote: ‘We are so excited about this news and cannot wait for her TV comeback…. CHEZZA IS BACK!!’

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Cheryl previously appeared on The Voice in 2012, when she performed Call My Name on stage and did a swan dive as part of the act – although she was also forced to fend off accusations of lip-syncing the track.

It had been reported by The Sun that ITV was ‘plotting’ a way for Sir Tom to be involved in the programme regardless, but in an explosive statement posted to X, he appeared to throw cold water on the plans. 

Sir Tom said he was ‘not thrilled’ about what ITV offered him instead of being a coach, writing: ‘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.

‘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.’

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Metro contacted ITV and Cheryl for comment on this story.

MORE: ITV’s savage sacking of Sir Tom Jones won’t save The Voice UK

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The Freedom of South Ayrshire is the highest civic distinction the council can bestow.

Ayr Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets have been awarded the Freedom of South Ayrshire at a special ceremony.

The Freedom of South Ayrshire is the highest civic distinction the council can bestow, and it’s only been granted on four other occasions since 2009.

This is the first time the honour has been awarded to a cadet organisation, recognising the outstanding contribution the unit has made to generations of young people and for their service to the wider community.

Around 70 cadets took part in a parade to mark the occasion on Saturday, August 29. The unit also received a new military colour to mark their 85th year.

This is highly significant and involves the handing over of a consecrated flag — representing the honour, identity, and loyalty of the unit.

Founded in 1941, Ayr Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets have provided opportunities for young people across Ayr and the surrounding area since their inception.

Cadets take part in activities such as sailing, powerboating, paddlesports, camping, while also gaining nationally recognised qualifications and practical life skills.

The unit also plays an active role within the local community, supporting remembrance events, civic occasions, charitable activities and volunteering initiatives throughout the year.

Over the last five years, the unit has worked tirelessly to transform the Foresters Hall in Ayr – contributing around 1,800 hours of volunteer labour to turn the building into welcoming hub for the community.

Provost of South Ayrshire, Iain Campbell, said: “It is a tremendous honour to present the Freedom of South Ayrshire to Ayr Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets during their 85th anniversary year. This award recognises not only the proud history of the unit, but also the remarkable contribution it continues to make to the lives of young people across our communities.

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“The commitment shown by volunteers in rebuilding the unit, securing a permanent home for future generations and creating a facility that also serves the wider community demonstrates exactly the kind of civic contribution this honour is intended to recognise.”

Iona McDonald OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, said: “As His Majesty The King’s representative in Ayrshire and Arran, I am delighted to see the Ayr Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets awarded the Freedom of South Ayrshire. This prestigious civic honour is a fitting tribute to the dedication, resilience, and service displayed by both the cadets and the incredible adult volunteers who support them.

“For 85 years, the unit has played a vital role in nurturing leadership, confidence, and community spirit in young people across our region. The dedication shown in restoring Foresters Hall into a vibrant community space demonstrates their profound commitment to South Ayrshire. I offer my warmest congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this historic milestone.”

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant (SCC) Duncan McKechnie RNR, said: “The Freedom of South Ayrshire is a huge honour and recognises our significant contribution to the community, particularly over the last five years.

“We have worked incredibly hard to rebuild the unit following Covid. We are now giving young people even more opportunities.

“One of our biggest achievements has been taking on Foresters Hall and, through the commitment of our volunteers and the support of the local community, transforming it from a largely disused building into a thriving community facility.

“To receive the Freedom in our 85th year makes it even more special. It recognises our long history, but also the significant amount that our cadets and volunteers have achieved in recent years. We are incredibly proud to be part of Ayr and South Ayrshire.”

NAGOYA, Japan (AP) — Athletes who’ve arrived early for the Asian Games were unharmed by extensive flooding that hit the central Japanese city of Nagoya, Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa said Wednesday.

“We are not worried about the conditions of the venues and we believe there is no problem holding the Asian Games as planned,” Hirosawa told reporters.

The Asian Games, an event with more athletes than the Summer Olympics, open Sept. 19 in Nagoya and surrounding areas and run through Oct. 4.

More than 11,000 athletes are signed up from 45 countries and regions in Asia. By comparison, about 10,700 athletes participated in the Summer Olympics in 2024 in Paris.

The previous edition of the Asian Games was held three years ago in Hangzhou, China.

Hirosawa said about 400 athletes and staff who are staying in converted shipping containers — remodeled to serve as temporary housing units for the Asian Games — were briefly evacuated to higher ground during the heavy rain.

He said there were a number of leaking roofs but nothing more serious around the dozens of Games venues.

Record rain fell in parts of the city on Tuesday, flooding dozens of roads and homes, and stranding pedestrians and vehicles. City bus and subway operations were temporarily suspended, the mayor said.

Reports said about 3,500 people took shelter at emergency evacuation centers.

___

See full AP coverage of Asian sports here

The funeral of one of the two police officers killed in a wrong-way crash is to take place later.

PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died when a Volkswagen Passat collided with their marked armed response car on the A66 at South Bank, near Middlesbrough, on 22 August. Five young men were also killed.

Road closures will be in place in Hartlepool for PC Blades’ funeral from 07:30 BST to allow for a full police ceremonial funeral.

Speaking on behalf of his family, Cleveland Police Federation chair Lauren Somerville said “life feels unbearably quiet” without the father-of-two’s “silly jokes” and laughter.

Somerville said flowers had been delivered to the force’s stations and people from Australia, France and America had been in touch.

“The support has been overwhelming, and it’s been comforting,” she said.

Somerville added even small acknowledgements of respect from the public, such as a nod or a thank you when they see police out and about, had brought officers “so much strength”.

Officers had been pursuing the Passat for almost seven minutes after it was connected to earlier alleged criminal activity, but the pursuit was abandoned 10 seconds before the crash when it turned onto the dual carriageway, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

PC Blades and PC Clough were in a vehicle looking for the Passat after its cloned registration plates triggered an automated number plate recognition camera, although they were not involved in the pursuit, according to the IOPC.

Cole Worthy and Theo Rae, both 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Cahill and Jakub Matusiak also died in the crash.

The York Roast Co’s Low Petergate branch will be shut “for a few weeks”, according to a post made by the company on social media.

The post said the closure is to allow “work on something exciting behind the scenes”.

Window posters have been installed at the shop with QR codes for customers.

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There are also directions to visit another of its city centre shops.

The Facebook post from the company said: “It’s official – our transformation begins.

“But York Roast Co. isn’t slowing down.

“Join us at 4 Stonegate, York while we prepare what’s next.”

The York Roast Co is a family-run business founded in Yorkshire probably best known for its signature YorkyPud Wrap, although the menu also offers sandwiches and sides.

The wrap combines roast meats, vegetables and stuffing inside a giant Yorkshire pudding.

The company also has a store in Chester.

The Voice UK producers have come under fire from Sir Tom Jones this week, after he claimed he was fired over insurance reasons. 

In a statement, the singer claimed: ‘I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show,’ adding that ‘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’.

Amid the upheaval, it’s been claimed Cheryl is set to make her TV comeback with a spot on the judging panel, while Aitch is rumoured to replace McFly duo Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher who are leaving the show.

Eyebrows have been raised over the timing of the reshuffle, with filming for the next series set to begin this week, while the current season, airing weekly on ITV, has been pre-recorded. 

It’s the latest in a long line of scandals to befall the show, which launched in 2012 with an average viewership of over seven million, but this year returned for series 14 and had its lowest launch figure to date – just 1.9 million.

So while billed as a progressive show that focuses purely on talent rather than appearance, behind the scenes it seems the show is anything but harmonious.

During the live season two finale, some viewers thought Holly Willoughby’s low-cut black dress was not appropriate for a family show, prompting 139 complaints to Ofcom

‘Inappropriate’ outfits 

The Voice sparked controversy from the start, when original host Holly Willoughby was chastised for her wardrobe. 

During the live season two finale, some viewers thought Holly’s low-cut black dress was not appropriate for a family show, prompting 139 complaints to Ofcom

Broadcast Now noted that the show was broadcast from 7.15pm to 9.30pm on Saturday, meaning most of the programme aired prior to the 9pm watershed.

While Ofcom did not investigate the complaints, the BBC apologised for any offence caused.  

‘We’re sorry if some viewers found Holly’s dress to be unsuitable,’ a BBC spokeswoman said. 

‘Holly enjoys fashion and we felt the dress she wore for the live final of The Voice UK was glamorous and wholly appropriate for the occasion.

‘We don’t believe it would have gone against audience expectations for a TV spectacle such as this.’

Never-ending lineup of coaches 

A whopping 18 coaches have spun around on the red chairs since the show began. The first two seasons saw Jessie J, Danny O’Donoghue, Will.i.am and Sir Tom Jones serve as coaches

A whopping 18 coaches have spun around on the red chairs since the show began.   

The first two seasons saw Will.i.am, Jessie J, Sir Tom Jones and Danny O’Donoghue serve as coaches. 

Yet in season three, Jessie and Danny were replaced by Kylie Minogue and Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson.

The following year Rita Ora – who has also been a coach on The Voice Australia – stepped in to replace Kylie Minogue.

Season five saw Sir Tom’s first departure from the show, along with Rita’s, and they were replaced by Boy George and Paloma Faith.

Season six saw the BBC show moved to ITV, who completely shook up the lineup, bringing back Sir Tom to coach alongside Will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson and Gavin Rossdale.

Gavin then left the lineup and Olly Murs took over for season seven and eight. 

Then Meghan Trainor replaced Jennifer Hudson for one year before Anne-Marie replaced Meghan for a stable three-series run.

By season 13 there was another shakeup, with LeAnn Rimes and McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones (in the show’s first double chair) replacing Anne-Marie and Olly.

The current coaching panel saw Destiny’s Child star Kelly Rowland make her debut, replacing LeAnn Rimes alongside Will.i.am, Sir Tom and the McFly duo. 

However, Sir Tom and the McFly duo have since left the show, with Cheryl and Aitch said to be their replacements. 

Coach clashes  

While they may only have appeared on one season together, Boy George and Paloma Faith made headlines with their reported clashes on set (pictured with Ricky Wilson and Will.i.am)

However, this month, George reignited their feud when he criticised Paloma Faith for voicing her support for rapper Macklemore, who shouted ‘Free Palestine’ during an Ed Sheeran gig 

George tweeted: ‘@edsheeran clearly has no spine and as for @Palomafaith and her stupid virtuous squealing of delight about Mackle-bore when she is about as political as a soggy tuna sandwich. The whole thing makes me queasy’ 

While they may only have appeared on one season together, Boy George and Paloma Faith made headlines with their reported clashes on set. 

It was reported in 2015 that the Manchester auditions saw the two clash – with the Do You Really Want To Hurt Me crooner branding Paloma ‘bitchy’ and ‘rude’.

Tempers reportedly flared as they both attempted to lure the same singer to their team – with Paloma pretending to fall asleep and snore as George made his bid.

Paloma later recalled the tense exchange in her memoir, MILF, in which George allegedly made a sexist remark that was ultimately cut from the reality TV contest.

While she did not name the coach, Paloma – who was undergoing IVF at the time – recalled: ‘It was an ill-timed and misread joke, intended to be a bit of theatre, but he took offence and came back with a cutting quip, saying I had “probably got PMT” and was “rude”.

‘The PMT remark was obviously cut from the edit.’

‘On this day, pumped full of hormones, I felt both shame at experiencing that in front of a studio audience, and like I couldn’t retaliate due to my desire to save face.

‘I ran off stage, to the toilets, and blacked out. I don’t actually have a recollection of any of it until I came to on the floor with my then PA’s hands cupping me face… 

‘Apparently I was shouting something like, “My f***ing father” over and over again… and sort of convulsing.’

Paloma added that production then organised a period of ‘conflict resolution’ with the other coach before they continued filming.

Responding to reports of the fallout at the time, George told Digital Spy that he and Paloma had known each other ‘a long time’ before appearing together on The Voice.

‘First of all, nobody makes anyone cry, crying is a personal choice,’ he said. ‘And Paloma’s gorgeous, I worship and adore her. And we had a right laugh about it afterwards. And she sent me a note saying “I will never do it again” and she did it again!

‘We’ve been out to dinner so you know, we’ll cope with each other, it’s fine. Initially, it’s all about finding out where people’s boundaries are, what you can get away with, what you can say to them. Now we know where we stand.’

However, this month, George reignited their feud when he criticised Paloma Faith for voicing her support for rapper Macklemore – who is facing a boycott petition after he called out ‘Free Palestine’ onstage while supporting Ed Sheeran.

George tweeted: ‘On the subject of @macklemore it’s important to note that slogans such as ‘Free Palestine’ offer the appearance of moral courage without requiring much political knowledge.

‘@edsheeran clearly has no spine and as for @Palomafaith and her stupid virtuous squealing of delight about Mackle-bore when she is about as political as a soggy tuna sandwich. The whole thing makes me queasy.’

When questioned if he is still ‘buddy buddy’ with Paloma, he responded that ‘all showbiz relationships are sequin deep!’

The Tom Jones controversy 

This week isn’t the first time Sir Tom has been dealt a blow by The Voice team. Back in 2015, the singer was dropped from the show for the first time, replaced by George and Paloma

This week isn’t the first time Sir Tom has been dealt a blow by The Voice team. 

Back in 2015, the singer was dropped from the show for the first time, with he and Rita Ora replaced by George and Paloma, who served as coaches with Wil.i.am and Ricky Wilson. 

The talent show’s bosses decision to drop Tom as the fourth coach was only announced as the replacements were unveiled.

The BBC defended informing Tom of the shake-up at the last minute at the time, insisting it was only to keep the new additions top-secret.

A spokesman said: ‘The final decision on the coaches’ line-up for series 5 of The Voice was only taken on Wednesday and Tom’s team was informed early yesterday morning.

‘We then announced it to the press so that it didn’t leak. This has been the same every year and no role was ever promised.’

Yet Tom responded with a lengthy Facebook post, in which he labelled producers’ actions ‘disappointing’.

The statement read: ‘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 5, as I’ve done so for the last 4 years. 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. 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. I will always admire the courage of the performers who participate in the show, as well as all the production staff who worked tirelessly to make a great family viewing experience for the audience at home. I wish the show well.’

He later wrote in his autobiography: ‘To say I was shocked is to put it mildly. But my shock wasn’t about the fact they had replaced me. My shock was about the way they did it.’

Sir Tom claimed that when his management questioned the decision to replace him, BBC bosses simply said he was ‘out of contract’.

‘Indisputable as a bald statement of fact, I guess. But what a cold place the BBC is. Sometimes you wonder whether it is run by humans or a machine in the basement,’ he quipped.

‘It’s a shame because I always treasured the BBC – always had this strong British attachment to it.’

While he was off air Sir Tom ‘liked’ tuning into the show, then after a one-series absence, he returned as a judge when the programme made the switch to ITV.

The Corporation’s television boss Danny Cohen later offered Sir Tom a sincere apology, saying he’s ‘truly sorry’ for upsetting the ‘extraordinary figure’.

‘I’ve got huge respect for Tom and I’m truly sorry he’s upset because I am a big fan of his,’ he said.

‘I think he’s a gentleman, I think he’s an extraordinary figure in music and you’ll have seen the huge respect that all of the artists have had for him on The Voice throughout.’

Yet a decade on and history has repeated itself, with Sir Tom axed from the panel once more. 

Sir Tom released a statement on Tuesday that read: ‘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. 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.’

He added that ITV had offered him ‘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.

‘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.’

‘Fix’ accusations 

Questions were raised in 2016, when Paloma seemingly admitted to arranging a contestant’s progression to the next stage, dropping Liberty X singer Kevin Simm and allowing Ricky Wilson to save him by ‘stealing’ him. Kevin went on to win the show

Over the years, fans have also questioned if the competition is staged – which producers have explicitly denied. 

Questions were raised in 2016, when Paloma seemingly admitted to arranging a contestant’s progression to the next stage. 

During the show, former Liberty X singer Kevin Simm made it to the knockout stage despite losing to teenager Faith Nelson in the battle rounds.

After Paloma chose to save the teen, rival coach Ricky then opted to ‘steal’ Kevin from Paloma’s team by hitting his buzzer – saving him from elimination. 

Discussing the move, Paloma was quoted in The Mirror, suggesting the decision to save Kevin was pre-planned and had been ‘agreed beforehand’ with Ricky.

However, in a statement, a spokesman confirmed the two coaches had discussed Kevin before the recording of the show, but that there was ‘no truth in this fix claim’. 

They added: ‘The conversation between Ricky and Paloma before that battle record was her asking him to steal Kevin if she didn’t choose him. He did not agree or disagree.’

Kevin ultimately won the competition. 

That same season, eyebrows were raised again when one of the frontrunners, Cody Frost, crashed out of the competition early. 

Her mentor George then said they were both ‘pleased’ about the outcome because Cody did not want to sing the winner’s song, an original track called All You Good Friends.

When asked if it was the end of the road for Cody, George said: ‘No. She doesn’t have to do the winner’s single either, so we’re pleased about that.’