Comic Sandi Toksvig is leaving Radio 4′s The News Quiz after hosting hundreds of episodes over almost a decade.

The broadcaster, who took over as host in 2006, has been in charge for more than 220 episodes over 28 series and will bow out in June.

She said: “The News Quiz is one of the things I am proudest of in my professional life. From the beginning, when I arrived as a rather nervous panellist almost a quarter of a century ago, I have always enjoyed it and was overwhelmed when asked to become host back in 2006.

Sandi Toksvig (Nick Ansell/PA)
Sandi Toksvig (Nick Ansell/PA)

“Now I have decided it is time to move on and of course I feel sad but I think it’s the right moment. The show is in great shape and, like a good house guest, you should always depart when people still wish you’d stay a bit longer.

“Radio 4 is family to me and I have no intention of disappearing entirely and, who knows, maybe I can come back one day to The News Quiz as a guest and muck about a bit?”

Among the guests who have appeared alongside Sandi are Jeremy Hardy, David Mitchell, Jo Brand and Sarah Millican.

Sarah Millican appears on The News Quiz (Amanda Benson/BBC)
Sarah Millican appears on The News Quiz (Amanda Benson/BBC)

The new host for the show, which has been running since 1977, will be announced later this year.