Fry’s QI bye bye

Host quits after 13 years on show as Toksvig takes over

STEPHEN Fry is stepping down as host of BBC quiz show QI after 13 years.

Each series covers topics from a successive letter in the alphabet and the upcoming “M” episodes will be the brainy presenter’s last before Sandi Toksvig, 57, replaces him.

Stephen, 58, who has been at the helm for more than 180 episodes, described it as “one of the best jobs in television”. He paid tribute to the QI team and added: “After passing the alphabetical halfway mark I thought it time to move on.”

Regular panellist Alan Davies will still be a fixture on the BBC Two hit. After launching with Stephen as host, the show quickly became a favourite with viewers thanks to its blend of wit, obscure trivia and his assured presence.

Sandi, who is a regular panellist and hosts Channel 4 quiz Fifteen to One, called QI her “dream job”. She added: “Stephen has been utterly brilliant with the first half of the alphabet. I look forward to picking up the baton, mixing my metaphors and sailing towards the Land of Nod (i.e. Z).”

Producer John Lloyd added: “Stephen’s departure is the end of an era. Though we are all sad he’s decided to move on, I am confident we have found the perfect person to occupy his gigantic shoes.”