The famed TV and radio presenter has decided to end his four-year stint as co-host on 'The Tonight Show'.
Matt Cooper has announced his exit from Virgin Media One's 'The Tonight Show' after four years of late-night service with the broadcaster.
Matt announced his departure from the topical news and current affairs series on Twitter yesterday evening. Beginning his summer holidays, the presenter said that although he's departed 'The Tonight Show', he will still continue with his radio duties on 'The Last Word' at Today FM every weeknight.
Matt wrote: "Holidays have confirmed it for me. Need to reduce the working hours a bit, enjoy more flexibility in the evenings after [The Last Word at Today FM] finishes at 7pm. So not returning to [Virgin Media TV]. Have enjoyed the last four years greatly and thanks to all at [Virgin Media]."
Last September, Ciara Doherty replaced Ivan Yates on the nightly news show, joining Matt as his new co-host. However, now that Ciara is on maternity leave, Claire Brock has stepped in as her replacement. Now it looks likely that she'll be joined by a new colleague for the new season which begins this September.
When we reached out to Virgin Media for a statement on Matt Cooper's departure, Bill Malone, Director of Content at Virgin Media Television said: "Matt is a consummate professional and one of Ireland’s most respected media figures, broadcasters and columnists, a great colleague on and off-screen and he has been central to the success of 'The Tonight Show'.
"I would like to personally thank Matt for his stellar contribution to Current Affairs broadcasting on Virgin Media Television and look forward to working with him again in the future. 'The Tonight Show' will continue to be the centrepiece of VMTV’s current affairs output into the future."
Virgin Media Television also issued a separate statement on Twitter.
