Jason Deans
Jim Davidson is quitting BBC1's Generation Game, but the show will return with a new presenter next year despite suffering a ratings slump.
Davidson will leave the show, which he has presented for seven series, when the current run comes to an end next month.
His departure comes after Generation Game suffered a mauling at the hands of ITV1's hit show Pop Idol in January and February.
Generation Game, which attracted audiences of up to 19 million in its 1970s heyday when Bruce Forsyth was the presenter, has recently slumped to fewer than 3.5 million viewers.
On January 21 the show hit a new low, with just 3.3 million viewers and a 19% audience share.
It has recovered slightly since Pop Idol ended, but last Saturday still only attracted 4.2 million viewers. In January 2001 the Generation Game averaged 6 million for each show.
But the show will return next year with a new presenter line-up and a revamped format.
Davidson said he was leaving Generation Game because he felt he has taken the show as far as he could.
He is now working on developing a family sitcom for BBC1 written by Carla Lane, who scripted Butterflies and Liver Birds, and will soon be seen presenting a BBC1 special to mark the 20th anniversary of the Falklands conflict.
Davidson has been the Generation Game host longer than both Forsyth and Larry Grayson.
This series will finish with an hour-long special celebrating Davidson's favourite moments from the past seven years.
"I've had a fantastic time but after seven years I feel that now is the right time for some new challenges," he said.
"As soon as my current tour comes to an end I'll be packing thermals for my trip to the Falklands and on my return it will be straight into work on my first sitcom in 12 years."
Davidson is to continue with his BBC1 snooker-themed show, Big Break, this summer and there will be a return for his stand-up comedy programme, which proved a ratings winner during its first run.
His Falklands special will see him returning to the islands to meet residents and troops stationed there and perform his one-man stand up show.
Lorraine Heggessey, the controller of BBC1, said: "Jim is a fantastic entertainer who knows how to amuse audiences young and old. He has done a terrific job and I am sure he will continue to delight viewers with his new ideas for the channel.
"Jim will be a hard act to follow so we need to think carefully about what's next for the Generation Game."
