Jane McDonald has quit Channel 5 to "spend some time in the UK" focusing on other projects.
The 56-year-old star – who has fronted both the ‘Cruising with…’ and ‘Holidaying with…’ series for the network – has confirmed her departure and explained she now wants to prioritise her singing career.
In a post on her official website, Jane wrote: "By now you will have seen the news about me stepping away from my shows on Channel 5.
"It’s been an incredible four and a half years of travelling, 38 Cruises and over 100 flights.
"It’s now time for me to spend some time in the UK, concentrate on my music and tours and exciting new projects."
The BAFTA-winner – who claimed the Features award in 2018 for ‘Cruising With Jane McDonald’ – added her "sincere thanks" to the teams across all of her programmes, and described the experience as "a total joy".
She continued: "I want to offer my most sincere thanks to everyone who has worked on all my shows. "Everyone at Channel 5 and Viacom International Studios who have all helped make the most incredible and successful programmes.
"It’s been a total joy to work with everyone and thank you very much to everyone who has watched and supported the shows. I have had a blast!"
Ben Frow – director of programming at Channel 5 – heaped praise on Jane and the impact she’s had over the past few years.
He said: "We’ve loved working with Jane and are proud to have had her as part of the family.
"She helped us to win our first BAFTA and her series have become solid staples of our Friday night schedules.
"Thank you Jane. We are sorry to see you go but wish you every happiness for the future."
Jane McDonald quits Channel 5 to focus on new projects
