Sir Tom Jones is starring in his final season of The Voice after 14 years appearing as a judge.
Much has happened in the time since he first joined in 2012 - not least, two hip replacements for the 86-year-old; on his left hip in 2017 and on the right in 2022.
In order to cope with the pain in between his procedures, the Sexbomb singer confessed to using an unusual health hack that saw him, at times, hanging upside down like a bat.
Tom went through sessions of inversion therapy, which sees the patient strapped to a table and turned upside down to improve "poor circulation" and alleviate back problems.
In a previous interview with The Sun, he explained: "I hang upside down. You know on one of those frames... You put your feet in the thing and you flip and you hang."
The She's A Lady singer reportedly even has one of the contraptions backstage to ease the pressure on his joints.
© WireImageSir Tom's difficult health journey
In an interview with The Daily Mail, Sir Tom opened up about his health journey with his hips prior to the right replacement.
"I do four songs, sit down, and say, look, normally I would get up after this, but tonight just on the stool just to take the weight off this leg. And I found that I could sing easier sitting than standing," the star shared.
He added that he wasn't taking painkillers or following a special diet while waiting for his right hip replacement, but was "just biding my time until I can get in there to get a new hip."
"Papa has two new hips now!," Sir Tom penned following his second surgery. "For all those concerned and sent in well wishes, I am pleased to report my recent surgery went very well, I'm following orders and doing my physio, so happy to say I will be back soon!"
Sir Tom's weight gain admission
In 2017, the hitmaker spoke about how the pain he experienced with his left hip prior to the replacement, revealing that he couldn't get rid of the dull ache.
The musician also opened up on BBC Radio 2 about his weight loss which he achieved via a paleo diet, meaning he stuck to eating lean meat, fish, veggies, and nuts.
"I was putting too much weight on. I didn't think I was going to and I left the working out for a bit, thought I'd keep a check on it," the ITV star admitted.
"But with the Christmas puddings and cakes, before I knew it I was 230lb (16.4 stone) which was 30lb more than I should be. I couldn't get into my suits. That's when I thought: 'This has got to stop'."
One thing that can be said for Sir Tom's health is that his voice is in stellar shape. He previously told The Mirror: "Well, thank God my voice is still working. I am 83 years old. I mean I can't believe it, but it is true.
"When I am singing I am like, 'How the hell is this coming out of me? Honestly. If the voice was not there I am sure I would be going, 'Urgh, I don't want to do so many shows,' but I love it as the voice is still working!"
Sir Tom's upset after being fired from The Voice
In September, Sir Tom stated that ITV had "fired" him as a judge on The Voice, adding that he did not want to leave as he "loves the show".
The singer has appeared as an on-off coach on the singing competition since it premiered in 2012.
© Photo: ITVFollowing rumours that he may not return to the panel for the upcoming series, Sir Tom said he had been offered a reduced role - one he was "not thrilled" about.
The Voice confirmed he would not be returning as a full-time coach for the new series.A spokesperson for the show said: "We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK. While he will no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, we continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series."
In a social media post, Sir Tom said: "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.
"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."
The new faces heading to The Voice
Sir Tom isn't the only star who is departing the show, with fellow coaches, Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher also leaving, and the singing competition's presenter, Emma Willis, departing in order to host the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
ITV has now confirmed who will be replacing all the departing stars, with Girls Aloud singer Cheryl and rapper Aitch heading to the judging chairs. Meanwhile, Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon have been confirmed as the show's new presenting duo.
The 14th series of the show is currently airing, with Sir Tom continuing in his judging role. The 15th series is expected to air in 2027.
