Craig Ferguson Is Leaving Late-Night TV, Too
The host's decision comes weeks after Letterman announcement.
April 29, 2014— -- CBS is losing another late-night host.
Craig Ferguson announced his plans Monday to step down as host of “The Late Late Show” in December. Ferguson broke the news to his studio audience, echoing a similar move by “Late Show” host David Letterman on April 3.
“I’ve been doing this show for 10 years,” he said during the open of Monday’s episode. “That’s enough.”
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He stressed that the decision was his and that he and CBS remain on good terms.
Ferguson said he’s still considering what he’ll do next. “I’m thinking carpentry," he joked. "I haven’t made up my mind yet."
Ferguson started hosting the show in 2005 and was nominated for an Emmy in 2006. His show is known for its unique style, featuring an animatronic skeleton (named Geoff) as a sidekick. A pantomime horse is also a visible presence.
Ferguson’s personality has shined through, from his honesty in discussing his addiction struggles to his citizenship push. Ferguson was born in Scotland.
After Letterman announced his departure, Ferguson was bypassed for the “Late Show” position, with Stephen Colbert selected to become the next host. In an interview with Variety, Ferguson said he had no desire to replace Letterman and that he had been planning his own exit from “The Late Late Show” without any idea that Letterman was preparing to retire.
Ferguson told Variety that CBS asked him to stay until December to give more time to find his replacement.
“Ten years is a very long time in one job — for me,” he told Variety. “I wanted to leave the show before I stopped enjoying it. That was my goal. I didn’t want it to be a chore. …The whole idea is that show business should have some adventure to it, I think. It’s not about knowing what you’re doing day in and day out, year after year.”
CBS released a statement following Ferguson’s announcement.
“During his 10 years as host, Craig has elevated CBS to new creative and competitive heights at 12:30,” Nina Tassler, CBS entertainment chairman, said in the statement. “He infused the broadcast with tremendous energy, unique comedy, insightful interviews and some of the most heartfelt monologues seen on television.”
Ferguson, 51, has several projects in the works, including “Celebrity Name Game,” a game show slated to air this fall.
Celebs such as Kevin Bacon and Lena Dunham expressed their support for Ferguson online.
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