Matt Baker will not be replaced with a permanent presenter on ‘The One Show’.
The 42-year-old star will make his final appearance on the programme tonight (31.03.20) alongside regular co-host Alex Jones, and afterwards the show will be able to call on a pool of male TV presenters to keep the programme "feeling fresh and different".
A TV insider told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: "During his absences on The One Show, a long line of other men have appeared in his place and seem to gel well with Alex.
"Producers felt the mix kept the dynamic on the sofa feeling fresh and different, which seemed to match the mix of content on the programme.
"Plus, there isn’t any shortage of stars who are willing to regularly feature on one of BBC1’s most popular shows."
Marvin Humes, Michael Ball, and Patrick Kielty are thought to be among the stars who could get the call up to step in alongside Alex following Matt’s departure.
Unfortunately, he will have to bow out of the programme after nine years from his own sofa because he is currently in isolation amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking on last night’s (30.03.20) show, Alex said: "We’ll be back tomorrow, and it’s going to be a really difficult day for us because Matt is leaving.
"But we have got a great show planned, so we’ll see you then."
Matt still managed to contribute to last night’s episode, after he made a film about how the nation are coping with self-isolation.
He wrote on Instagram: "Made a film from home for tonights @bbctheoneshow I video called some wonderful Oneshow viewers!! I made it on my mobile!! Can’t believe its my last show tomorrow. #workingfromhome #isolation #lego #home (sic)"
In December, Matt announced live on the programme that he was planning to quit the show.
He said: "’I would like to take this opportunity to say that at this time of year I like to stop, reflect and take stock.
"’The One Show’ has been a massive part of my life for almost a decade now, and I have loved every second of being a part of it, but I am leaving this green sofa in the spring. It’s time to give someone else the opportunity to see how big-hearted and generous you, the viewers, really are. It’s something I get to witness every year.
"I thank you all from the bottom of my heart… now I finally get to put my kids to bed. Thank you everyone for the most random, wonderful nine years."
Matt Baker ‘won’t be replaced with permanent presenter on The One Show’
