'This wasn't an easy decision to make': Comedian Tom Gleeson resigns as the host of Hard Quiz with immediate effect as the show 'ends production'
Tom Gleeson has announced that he won't be returning as the host of Hard Quiz.
In a statement posted to Twitter on Friday, the 44-year-old comedian revealed that he has decided to 'discontinue production' of the popular ABC show.
He explained that he wants to spend his time performing stand up comedy instead.
'This wasn't an easy decision to make': Comedian Tom Gleeson (pictured) has resigned as host of ABC's Hard Quiz with immediate effect as the show 'ends production'
'I've decided to step down as the host of Hard Quiz and discontinue production of the show,' he said in a statement.
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'This was not an easy decision to make and I appreciate there are many fans of the show for which I will always be grateful.'
Tom clarified that he was leaving the program to focus on other pursuits.
It's over! In a statement posted to Twitter on Friday, the 44-year-old comedian revealed that he has decided to 'discontinue production' of the popular ABC show
![New direction: 'The demands of hosting a show has meant I was unable to spend as much time as I would like to performing stand up [comedy],' Tom said](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/05/24/06/13894926-7065829-image-a-3_1558676973023.jpg)
New direction: 'The demands of hosting a show has meant I was unable to spend as much time as I would like to performing stand up [comedy],' Tom said
'The demands of hosting a show has meant I was unable to spend as much time as I would like to performing stand up,' he added.
'I've loved making Hard Quiz and I will miss it. I'd like to thank everyone who worked on the show, Thinkative TV and the ABC for their support.'
He concluded by thanking the show's contestants for always 'playing hard'.
Uncertain future: Many fans of Hard Quiz were devastated by the news, and began frantically asking if the show would continue without Tom as host
Many fans of Hard Quiz were gutted by the news, and began frantically asking if the show would continue without Tom as host.
However, the fact that Tom's statement claimed the program would 'discontinue production' suggests it is over for good.
'This is... the only quiz show I watch, Tom. The interaction between you and the contestants is one of a kind for TV,' tweeted one devastated viewer.
Axed: Hard Quiz premiered on ABC in October 2016, and soon developed a loyal fanbase
'I love the concept of this show. If Hard Quiz continues to be made, won't be the same chemistry without you as host.'
Another added: 'Tom, I've been studying the history of My Little Pony for a year and now you pull the rug out from me. What use is my special subject knowledge now?'
Hard Quiz premiered on ABC in October 2016, and soon developed a loyal fanbase.
Spin-off: Hard Quiz was a spin-off of Tom's 'Hard Chat' segment on the satirical news program The Weekly with Charlie Pickering
