Stephen Fry QUITS QI - Who Will Replace Him?

STOP EVERYTHING - Stephen Fry, the man who has more knowledge in his pinky fingernail than we have in our entire being, is leaving his post as the presenter of QI.

OH, SAY IT ISN’T SO!

The amazing presenter has been at the forefront of the comedy quiz show since it began back in 2003, alongside permanent panellist Alan Davies.

However, Stephen is now stepping down after ‘M’, the next season which premieres this Friday on BBC2.

The hosting extraordinaire has called it ‘one of the best jobs on television’, but believes it’s ‘time to move on’.

He explained: “For 13 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.”

Stephen originally only presented the pilot as a last-minute replacement for Michael Palin (and was supposed to be a team captain), but has gone on to present over 180 episodes of the show.

Luckily, the Beeb have lined-up another fantastic host to take his seat, with Sandi Toksvig taking over hosting duties after Stephen leaves.

Describing the role as her ‘dream job’, Sandi said: “‘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).

“Stephen has been utterly brilliant with the first half of the alphabet. 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 (ie. Z). Who knows what lies ahead? It should all be quite interesting.”

Copyright [Ken McKay/ITV/REX Shutterstock]

Alan Davies will stay on as a regular panellist.

John Lloyd, the show’s creator, says Stephen’s exit is the ‘end of an era’, adding: “It’s been a thoroughly delightful experience. After more than 40 years in broadcasting, QI has been by far the most enjoyable show it has been my privilege to produce, and Stephen has been its big, beating heart.

“Though we are all very sad he’s decided to move on, I am confident that we have found the perfect person to occupy his gigantic shoes.

“Sandi will be the first female host of a mainstream comedy panel show on British television - an appointment that is well overdue.”

*SOB*

We’re excited to see what Sandi will bring to the show, but we’re going to seriously miss Stephen. Thank you for bringing us all those amazing facts. <3