Irish journalist Matt Cooper announced his departure from The Tonight Show on Tuesday, after presenting the late-night news and current-affairs television programme since 2017.
The popular presenter took to social media to reveal that he would not be returning to the Virgin Media One show when it returns to screens following its 'summer break'.
"Holidays have confirmed it for me. Need to reduce the working hours a bit, enjoy more flexibility in the evenings after @lstwrd @TodayFM finishes at 7pm," the broadcaster told his 225,800 followers on Twitter.
"So not returning to #tonightvmtv. Have enjoyed the last four years greatly and thanks to all at @VirginMedia_TV"
In addition to his appearances on television, the 55-year-old also hosts the two and a half hour long radio show, The Last Word on Today FM each weekday.
In stepping back from his commitments to The Tonight Show, which airs four nights a week at 10pm, Matt frees up some time in the evenings to spend with his family in their Dublin home.
In the past, the former editor of the Sunday Tribune has spoken open and honestly about how a hectic working schedule has impacted his health.
Matt was diagnosed with diabetes nearly three years ago and once admitted to carrying on working despite being "quite unwell".
He told RSVP Magazine: "There were times after the radio show that I would be keeling over from the exhaustion and from there I would have to go on and do TV.
"I was quite unwell but I only let it carry on for a few weeks."
Speaking about his diagnosis, the media star revealed that he was already living a healthy lifestyle when doctors tried to look at how he could treat his type 2 diabetes.
After getting the right balance of medication and treatment, the former Business Journalist of the Year lost "nearly 12 kilos."
"I have to inject once a week and a take medication twice a day. My energy levels are up quite dramatically, I feel so much better and I hope I have it under control," Matt explained when discussing his health.
Adding to his social media announcement on Wednesday, the journalist promised fans he would be back on their television screens again soon.
"I will be working on other TV projects so you may see as well as hear me again soon," he told his Twitter followers as he replied to his original statement.
Fans were quick to send their well-wishes to the departing star, with one writing: "Sad to hear you are leaving Matt but wishing you lots of quality evenings at home and looking forward to watching your next project. Hope the hols were a joy."
Matt had previously said that he hope the day when he had to choose between TV and radio would never come, after spending almost two decades on Today FM and 15 years with Virgin Media.
He said: "I get enormous enjoyment doing The Last Word on Today FM, which I’ve been doing for nearly 18 years at this stage.
"I’ve done a variety of TV, I’ve been with Virgin Media since 2007 and for the first decade or so it was nearly all sport and I loved doing that. I’ve made documentaries as well which I’ve enjoyed."
Matt had presented The Tonight Show with Ivan Yates since 2017 before Ciara Doherty took over last September when Ivan left the programme.
