Comedian Trevor Noah has announced that he is leaving “ The Daily Show” after seven years.
The South African Comedian took over the hosting reins of the satirical news and talk show after the departure of Jon Stewart in 2015.
Noah made the announcement at the end of his show on Thursday night, leaving the audience stunned.
He said the exact timing of his departure from the show would be announced later and that he would continue to host during the meantime.
He expressed gratitude to the show’s team and fans for an “amazing seven years,” adding, “It’s been wild, truly wild.”
A special message from Trevor Noah pic.twitter.com/lMM8ll51fu
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) September 30, 2022
“When we first started, so many people didn’t believe in us,” he recalled. “Appointing me as host was a risky bet. This random African is still a strange choice in my opinion.
“I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude for the journey. It’s been absolutely incredible. It’s not something I expected.
Mr. Noah, 38, said that after everything that has happened during his time hosting the show – including Donald Trump’s presidency and the Covid pandemic – he had decided his “time is up, but in the most beautiful way”.
He said, “I’ve loved hosting this show, it’s been one of my greatest challenges, it’s been one of my greatest joys. But after seven years, I feel like it’s time,”
The South African, Comedian said, “ he had realized that there was “another part of my life that I want to carry on exploring.” He further said “ I miss learning other languages, going to other countries, and putting on shows. I miss just being everywhere and doing everything.”
He added, “I never dreamed that I would be here. I sort of felt like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I came in for a tour of what the previous show was, and then the next thing I know I was handed the keys.
He thanked everyone who watched the show and supported him and said, “All I can say is thank you very much.”