Saira Khan has announced she is quitting Loose Women after five years on the daytime TV show.
The 50-year-old presenter said she made the decision to leave the show after the coronavirus pandemic made her reassess her priorities.
The popular panellist, who shot to fame as a contestant on The Apprentice, said it was a difficult decision but she wants to focus on pursuing other projects, including turning her attention to her own skincare business Saira Skin.
Writing in her column for The Mirror, she Saira said the pandemic “certainly made me assess my priorities, values and how I want to move forward with my life.”
Enter your postcode for the latest news in your area
She went on: “So I start this new year by saying goodbye to Loose Women.
“After five years of being a regular panellist, I’ve decided to give up my seat to another woman who will benefit from the platform as I did.”
The Loose Women star inspired others who weren't getting satisfaction from their jobs to try something new.
She explained: "It was a difficult decision, but when you feel there is nothing left to share on a show that is all about sharing, it’s time to bow out.
"I think I’ve shown everyone I’m an opinionated, strong woman, but now I want to focus on pursuing other media projects, running my skincare business, Saira Skin, and developing my love for wellness.
"Others too have found that Covid has given them the kick they needed to quit jobs that don’t bring them satisfaction, and to try something new."
Saira has built up a high-flying presenting career on TV and landed a number of reality star gigs.
There's no doubt fans will miss the star because she's been a regular on the show since September 2015.
It comes after Andrea McLean announced she was leaving Loose Women in November.
