Matthew Wright quits show to ‘rejoin human race’
THE controversial host of long-running show The Wright Stuff has announced he’s quitting the role in order to pursue new projects.
Matthew Wright, 52, who has presented the daytime TV show since its launch in September 2000, said: ‘After almost 18 glorious years on Channel 5 and with the show flying high in the ratings, I feel it’s time to depart and try my hand at something new.’
The news comes just weeks after a controversial episode aired, which saw comedian Iain Lee storm off the set.
After consistent questioning from Wright about the state of his marriage, Lee said, ‘I’m so close to telling you to eff off and walking off right now,’ before doing just that.
While Matthew did not reveal his exact reason for leaving the show or what his new projects might be, he did turn to Twitter to joke: ‘18.5 years of 4am starts and 8pm bed times. Can’t wait to rejoin the human race…’
He also made a gentle dig at his ratings rival Victoria Derbyshire, whose show airs in the same time slot, posting: ‘I bet Victoria Derbyshire will be thrilled x.’
Channel 5 said the programme would continue with another presenter, but that it was too soon to say what would happen to the name of the show. It has been presented in the past by Richard Madeley and Anne Diamond.
Director of programmes Ben Frow said: ‘We would like to thank Matthew for his passion, hard work and enthusiasm over the last 18 years and for making the show what it is today.
‘He will be sorely missed and we wish him all the very best for the future.’
Wright hit the headlines several times during his time on The Wright Stuff, sparking controversy with a TV debate titled ‘Foxy Knoxy: Would Ya?’, discussing US student Amanda Knox who was accused of the murder of Brit Meredith Kercher.
In 2011, Wright made comments about the death of a teenager which caused ‘considerable offence’ to viewers, prompting 2,358 viewer complaints.
Wright took part in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2013. But when asked by a follower if his next plan was to do Celebrity Love Island, he repled in no uncertain terms: ‘I am not!!’
Author: Anna Thomson
