Earlier in the week news broke that Vincent Browne would be leaving TV3's late night current affairs show at the end of July, and now the channel has released a formal statement acknowledging his departure.

Bill Malone, Director of Programming at TV3 said;

"Vincent has made an extraordinary contribution to Irish journalism and to Irish broadcasting. As the presenter of the Tonight Show, Vincent encapsulated the mood of the nation during unprecedented economic and political turmoil. His commitment to highlighting inequality and injustices in Irish life has been unwavering over his journalistic career.

"TV3 would like to take this opportunity to thank Vincent for his contribution to the station and to wish him the very best."

All that we know at the moment is that Vincent is stepping down for personal reasons.

It truly is a loss to current affairs broadcasting in Ireland as there is no-one quite like Vinny B for delivering a no-nonsense interview and cutting those in power down to size.

Here's hoping he gets the send-off he deserves, from both TV3 and no doubt, Mario Rosenstock.

Watch some classic Vincent Browne in action below: