Major BBC star quits TV after 19 years despite string of hit shows

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Comedy legend Russell Howard has announced he's quitting TV after 19 years – despite having a string of hit shows under his belt.

Best known for presenting Russell Howard's Good News on the BBC, Russell made whole generations of fans laugh – but now he's done with being on the box.

His final TV appearance came in August 2024 on Channel 4's Big Fat Quiz of Telly. And now he has confessed on the Have A Word podcast: "I don't do TV anymore, I just do stand-up and my podcast."

"I had a pretty good run, I just prefer doing stand-up. I was all over the world and it was just fun."

The star added: "TV is fun but it's not as fun. Writing a book I couldn't do because I don't want to sit and entertain myself but doing stand-up is what I love doing.

Russell Howard is stepping away from TV (Image: Getty) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20250107.min.js"

"It's not entertainment for committee, it's your dictatorship... The audience are like this brilliant jury that let you know through laughter whether it works or not."

His BBC programme ran from 2009 to 2015, before Russell went on to make six series of The Russell Howard Hour on Sky TV, plus a Covid-19 special.

Russell was a regular panellist on Mock the Week and has also appeared on everything from Never Mind the Buzzcocks to Sunday Brunch. While his 2025 stand-up special Live at the London Palladium was filmed and will air on TV, it seems he won’t be returning to his regular duties.

Russell Howard has launched his stand-up career in the US (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Now he’s a host of two podcasts – Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things and GoalLess, a football show.

“Devastated” fans have been turning out on social media to share their thoughts on the news, with one writing via X: “Actually a bit devastated Russell Howard is refusing to do any more TV.”

“Russell Howard saying ‘I’ve had a good run’ makes me so emotional, I love him,” someone else echoed.

Major BBC star quits TV after 19 years despite string of hit shows

Major BBC star quits TV after 19 years despite string of hit shows

Major BBC star quits TV after 19 years despite string of hit shows

Major BBC star quits TV after 19 years despite string of hit shows

Major BBC star quits TV after 19 years despite string of hit shows