THE Voice UK coaches will have an excruciating first day of filming today after Sir Tom Jones’s brutal sacking.
In previous years ITV bosses have laid on welcome drinks for celebrity judges before shooting begins but that’s been axed too.
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Instead, Kelly Rowland, Cheryl, Will.i.am and Aitch will all be thrown into a full day in front of the cameras in Manchester — with the day not scheduled to end until 10pm.
And filming is set to be overshadowed by Sir Tom’s departure — with sources telling The Sun the music legend only found out last weekend he wouldn’t be part of the line-up.
Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am — who is now the last judge from the show’s original line-up — is fuming.
A source said: “Welcome drinks are usually put on by ITV at a top five-star hotel and it’s a nice way for everyone to meet before filming. But not this year.
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“It’s seriously awkward as Will.i.am is furious with how producers have handled things and is making his feelings known behind the scenes.
“Last weekend Sir Tom was packing his bags for the judges’ meeting, now he’s been dropped.
“How he’s been treated is awful.”
Since The Sun revealed ITV had given Sir Tom the boot, fans online have accused former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl, 43, of nabbing his seat. But insiders insist she had no idea of the plan.
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A source added: “It’s pretty uncomfortable for Cheryl, who is close with Will and has looked up to Kelly all her career.
“This is her big TV comeback and right now ITV are letting her be the fall guy for taking Sir Tom’s seat.
“None of this is her fault, it’s been handled atrociously by the bosses.”
Sir Tom, 86, who has been a mentor on the show since it began in 2012, said in a statement: “To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show.”
Last night a petition to reinstate Sir Tom had passed 9,000 signatures.
Stars including former The Voice judge Olly Murs have backed Tom.
He said on social media: “I know how much that show means to you mate. Absolute legend and one of the very best to ever sit in that chair.”