I DO think the BBC may have made a big mistake in ditching Sir Tom Jones from the next series of The Voice.

The enduringly sexy Welsh warbler, now 75, has been a judge on the series from the start and gave it official music business gravitas as well as vast experience.

He’s had 36 Top 40 hits, sold more than 100 million records and can sing virtually any type of music. He’s also teamed up with other singers over the decades, demonstrating both his versatility and that talent survives when other entertainers don’t.

While I’ve nothing against his replacement, Boy George, he’s not even in the same league as Sir Tom.

Sorry, Beeb, but you’ve dropped a clanger here. Viewers and the contestants plainly like Sir Tom, and he fitted well into a team of younger musical personalities.

While I’m a fan of the other judges will.i.am and Ricky Wilson and love Paloma Faith, without Sir Tom The Voice will definitely be missing something special.

And that’s star quality.