ITV's shoddy treatment of Tom Jones shows the foolishness of ageism in action: Christa Ackroyd

Getting out the phone to check the spelling of ‘gargantuan’ took me back to the days when I also used to ask parents or grandparents the meaning or the spelling of words I had never heard before. The answer was always the same; ‘There is a dictionary on the shelf, go and look it up’. And so I did.

The fun part recreated last weekend was not the spelling, nor even learning the meaning. It was to then make up a sentence using it. That not only tested the understanding of the word but ensured it remained locked in the brain forever. I am not sure my imitation of a huge monster to represent the one we were looking for will go down in history as one of my most memorable performances although it managed to raise a giggle during homework. And there is no more wonderful sound for a parent or grandparent than that.

But this week I am not laughing. I am, as my father would say, not surprised, but disappointed. What I write about isn’t the end of world in the great scheme of things. But it is tiresome to say the least. And a huge mistake. It is about a television show. That’s all. But what has happened is deplorable and intolerable. Two words my dad made sure I understood.

And here is another. Disingenuous. For those who have not a dictionary to hand let me explain. It is someone (or an organisation) who feigns innocence while lacking in sincerity, candour or full honesty. There is another more commonly used modern day phrase which I will refrain from using in deference to my father. But we can smell it a mile off.

During the past week it has finally been confirmed that Sir Tom Jones has not been invited back on the ITV series The Voice next year. I enjoy the programme which pairs would-be performers with experienced mentors. Or at least I did.

I admire new talent. I admire seasoned talent even more so. And Sir Tom has that in spades.

For more than a decade he has added wisdom, song, experience and that famous voice and infectious twinkle to the programme whilst still performing to an incredible level. After this series he will not be a judge. He may be invited back in another role. But we will wait and see if that happens. And he is rightly furious. And may I suggest so are fans of the show who may soon be fans no more. Including this one.

The reason given it seems is up for debate. One suggestion from Sir Tom is that he was told it is a problem getting reasonably priced insurance for an 86 year old. Might I humbly suggest they approach SAGA. I am sure the insurance company dedicated to insuring people over the age of 55 would welcome the chance to quote for one as famous as he as they do week in and week out for hundreds of thousands of others. I will even make the phone call to them if necessary.

Another possible explanation in the press was that ITV decided it was ‘time for a refresh ‘. Which means two new judges Cheryl and Aitch have been brought in to fit the bill. So let me try not to be disparaging to them ( another great word). Aitch I hadn’t heard of, although at first I though he was the blonde one from Steps. It seems he is a rapper. Which is fine. Each to their own. Then there is Cheryl. I like her personality. I liked her on Britain’s Got Talent and remember her as part of a girl group which disbanded after a few years quite a few years ago now. She is Northern. Tick. Emotional. Tick. And I am sure a very nice person. Tick.

But Sir Tom Jones is er, Sir Tom Jones. He has been a recording artist for almost 70 years. He has worked with or has known everyone in the business from Elvis to the Beatles. His stories are legendary, his voice, one of the most recognisable the world over. And what’s more he has never stopped doing what he does. And doing it superbly well.

His mellifluous tones are unique. His musical knowledge unsurpassed. He is funny, charming, charismatic and above all can still sing …and does so.. while offering invaluable advice about a business he knows inside and out. Because it has been his whole life. Which is why so often young, very young, raw talent in the past have picked him as the one to guide them through the competition which his singers have won three times. How many times have you heard an inexperienced youngster say.

Well it has to be the one and only Sir Tom Jones. And then see the look on their faces as they progress to be able to duet with him. And that includes his fellow judges from Will.I.Am to Jennifer Hudson to Leanne Rimes. Talent knows talent when they see and hear it. They understood they were in the presence of a legend. ITV it seems does not. Or they do not see Sir Tom as part of their impossible quest for a younger audience without realising that young people are obviously more discerning than they are.

And so after the inevitable backlash they tried to explain the inexplicable. Sir Tom they said in their obsequious words of thanks for his contribution was in fact described as the ‘irreplaceable Tom Jones’. I suggest they now do what I have been doing all my life and pick up a dictionary. I will save them the effort. Irreplaceable means and I quote ‘something or someone who is too special , rare or valuable to be substituted or equalled by anything or anyone else’. And yet replace him it seems they are doing.

I saw Tom Jones last year at the Piece Hall in Halifax and would have seen him again this year had I not been away. I so wish I had taken a snap shot of an audience as diverse in age as you could imagine to send to ITV bosses. Tom Jones is a legend. And what’s more he is still selling out the venue I describe alongside bands of every genre and every age group. Because he is special. And his longevity is special.

So here is another word for ITV to ponder. Ageism. The definition of which amounts to a lack of understanding that those who have lived still have a lot more to contribute , or at least as much as those who still have their whole lives ahead of them.

I am lucky, so lucky, to be of pensionable age and still working. The latest series of Our Great Yorkshire Life hit the screens last night. And I don’t expect anyone will comment on my age, just hopefully on the interesting stories we all bring from this incredible county of ours. I doubt the schedulers even know my age or care.

In fact getting older is freeing. To finally wear what one wants, do what one feels like doing without fearing judgement, or ignoring it if it happens is a gift. But Sir Tom is right to address it without quite calling it what it is when he when he says ‘ There is never a good time to fire an 86 year old who’s still pretty good at his job’. Which of course is an understatement.

As the pension age rises along with the cost of living and young people are being forced to question whether there will even be a state pension when they retire it is expected of more and more of us to work longer and longer. And guess what if we have our health, our minds and the abilities to do so we embrace that fact.

I love my work. I love this column. I love new challenges and I am not ready to pack it in yet. But then neither was Sir Tom, who ironically can be seen on the new series on our screens right now as dazzling and talented as ever. Just as Céline Dion is back selling out arenas in Paris in her sixties as is Andreas Bocelli as he approaches 70 whom I am lucky enough to be spending my hard earned money going to see this year and next. Because they are golden. Not oldies.

Tom Jones you were given a knighthood because of your talent. If those with less in their little finger can’t see that, then I can. And what’s more so can everyone else… whatever their age. Arise Sir Tom. As I know you will.