Jack Dee has announced he's quit as host of The Apprentice spin-off show after just one year – and joked that he is firing himself. The 54-year-old presented BBC Two programme The Apprentice: You're Fired! during the 2015 series of Lord Alan Sugar's boardroom competition.In a statement Jack said: "It's been a tough decision to leave You're Fired. I'd like to thank The Apprentice team, BBC Two, the candidates and the 'Big Man' Lord Sugar himself for making me feel so welcome but now, in keeping with The Apprentice tradition, I am firing myself.
Jack Dee confirmed he has 'fired himself'
The comedian took over from Dara O Brien, who held the job from 2010-2014. Before that, Adrian Chiles fronted the show for three years from 2006. Although Jack didn't give an official reason behind his exit, it is thought to be due to other work commitments.As well as working on his own BBC Two series Jack Dee's Helpdesk, he's starring in a new series produced by Josh Widdicombe and hosts BBC Radio 4 show I'm Sorry I Haven't Got a Clue.
He thanked Lord Alan Sugar for the opportunity
Discussing Jack's exit, AlanTyler, of BBC Entertainment Commissioning, said: "[He] is one of the most talented comedians in the UK and he very quickly made You're Fired his own. "We are really sorry to see him go but we are also delighted to be working with him on a number of other projects. "Jack's You're Fired replacement is yet to be announced but The Apprentice has been confirmed to return later this year, when a new batch of candidates will battle it out to become Lord Sugar's new business partner and win a £250,000 investment into their start-up company.One name already in the running to replace Jack is fellow comedian Romesh Ranganathan.