Jeremy Vine to quit as 'Panorama' host

Jeremy Vine will step down from his role as host of current affairs show Panorama at the end of the year, it has emerged.

Vine joined the BBC One programme four years ago when it moved from a late-night Sunday slot to primetime Monday evenings.

According to The Guardian, Vine is leaving Panorama to concentrate on other jobs, such as his lunchtime show on Radio 2.

His departure will coincide with a forthcoming revamp of Panorama under new editor Tom Giles, who took charge this year. Vine will continue to be involved with the programme by presenting special reports.

"Over the 57-year history of Panorama it has been broadcast both with a presenter and without at various stages. It's an evolutionary process and we feel the New Year is a good time to have a fresh look at the format," said Giles.

"I'd like to thank Jeremy for the dynamism and enthusiasm which he brought to the high-profile relaunch of Panorama into primetime on BBC One.

"Over the past four years he has helped the programme establish with a solid and rising audience share. In that time Panorama has won four RTS awards and a Scottish Bafta - Jeremy can be proud of the part that he has played in that success."

Vine added: "Relaunching Panorama as one of a handful of presenters in its history has been an incredible experience. However the programme is so strong in its Monday slot now that it doesn't need a person fronting it.

"I look forward to continuing my association with the programme on air and I am hugely grateful to editors Sandy Smith and Tom Giles for their brilliant leadership and guidance."

Panorama recently stirred controversy by airing contentious investigations of alleged corruption at FIFA and video games addiction.