Stephen Fry has announced that the upcoming series of ‘QI’ will be his last.
The presenter has fronted over 180 episodes of the BBC panel show, however he’ll now step aside, and Sandi Toksvig has been announced as his replacement.
Stephen has been at the helm since the show first aired in 2003
He explains: “For thirteen years I had one of the best jobs on television. Behind the camera squadrons of quite extraordinarily brilliant researchers, programme makers and uniquely curious (in both senses of the word) people making that job so much easier.
“In front of the camera generations of lively minds and above all of course the wonder of nature that is Alan Davies. After passing the alphabetical halfway mark I thought it time to move on, but I will never cease to be grateful to John Lloyd for devising QI and for everyone else for making it such fun.”
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Stephen was first set to appear on the show as a team captain, however he agreed to host the pilot episode when Michael Palin pulled out at the last minute.
Since then, he’s led a whole host of celebrity guests through the alphabet-themed series, meaning Sandi now has a huge task on her hands.
Sandi will take over from series 'N'
“‘QI’ is my favourite television programme both to watch and to be on, so this is absolutely my dream job. (My Nordic background also makes me keen to spend time with the Elves),” she states. “Stephen has been utterly brilliant with the first half of the alphabet.
“Now I look forward to picking up the baton, mixing my metaphors and sailing towards the Land of Nod (i.e. Z). Who knows what lies ahead? It should all be quite interesting.”
The presenter technically won't be off our screens for long though, as he's provided the voice for Colonel K, a character in the upcoming 'Danger Mouse' reboot.
Stephen recently revealed his hopes to become a father in the near future, revealing that he and his husband Elliott Spencer have often discussed the possibility.
“We do talk about it, and I suddenly think, ‘Oh my goodness I’m such an age now’," he said in June. "But actually that’s rather good, but we better get on with it if we do.”
His final series of ‘QI’ will begin this Friday (16 October), and guests will include Sara Cox, Noel Fielding, Bill Bailey and Johnny Vegas.