Stephen Fry steps down as QI host with Sandi Toksvig set to take over
STEPHEN FRY has decided to quit his role as presenter of BBC Two comedy quiz show QI after 13 years on the programme.
Stephen Fry has appeared on QI for 13 years
The 58-year-old comedian has presented around 180 episodes of the game show which tests contestants' knowledge on obscure topics and awards points for interesting answers - rather than the correct one.
He thanked the "squadrons" behind the camera that had worked to make the 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," Stephen said in a statement.
"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."
This year will mark his final series on QI
Stephen will be replaced by Radio 4 presenter Sandi Toksvig, who described him as "utterly brilliant" and the role as her "dream job".
"Now I look forward to picking up the baton, mixing my metaphors and sailing towards the Land of Nod (ie. Z). Who knows what lies ahead? It should all be quite interesting," she said.
Although Stephen may be leaving the show, fellow comedian and Jonathan Creek star Alan Davies will remain as a regular panellist.
QI- Who invented the telephone?
@Colvinius there is no QI without Stephen Fry. He is the Master!!
— April Worley (@aprilwo275) October 14, 2015
Qi won't be as good without Stephen Fry
— Josh Hoyland (@JoshHoyland6) October 14, 2015
Absolutely gutted, Stephen Fry such a legend https://t.co/WeSW02VUXe
— Ruby-Mae (@rubymaeraymond) October 14, 2015
Stephen Fry stepping down from QI is absolutely gutting, but there can't be many more suitable replacements out there than Sandi Toksvig.
— Ben Jenkins (@_BenJen) October 14, 2015
No Stephen Fry.. ???? I hope he's okay.
— Jenny Ackroyd (@mehgoat) October 14, 2015
Stephen Fry has presented nearly 200 episodes
The news has been met with some sadness from QI fans, who have taken to Twitter to share their collective sorrow and his departure.
April Worley posted on the social media platform: "there is no QI without Stephen Fry. He is the Master!!"
While Rohan Gotobed tweeted: "I'm more than a bit sad that Stephen Fry is leaving QI." His sentiments were shared with Josh Hoyland who tweeted: "Qi won't be as good without Stephen Fry."
Radio 4 presenter Sandi Toksvig
One user called Lauren summed up what many felt: "Stephen Fry has left QI?! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! *sits quietly crying in the corner*."
The final series of QI featuring Stephen will be airing later this week and will feature Sue Perkins, Dermot O'Leary and Jeremy Clarkson.
QI starts on BBC Two on Friday October, 16 at 10pm