Nick Ross to leave 'Crimewatch'

After 23 years, Nick Ross is to leave Crimewatch to pursue other ventures.

Ross will remain as one of the BBC's family of presenters and the corporation is talking to him about other potential projects.

Peter Fincham, controller, BBC One, said: "Nick has made a gigantic contribution to Crimewatch which for 23 years has been a uniquely important BBC One programme. The BBC is in his debt, as are the countless victims of crime whose cases Crimewatch has taken up and, on many occasions, helped to solve. It's no exaggeration to say that, without Nick, there would have been no Crimewatch. We wish him well for the future and I am hoping that he will be back on BBC One soon."

Ross' last programme will be on Monday July 2 and will include an item celebrating his contribution to Crimewatch and some of the major crimes that have been solved while he has been presenting the programme.

Ross said: "After more than 23 years at the helm of Crimewatch I shall greatly miss the programme, and I am grateful to the BBC for the privilege of presenting this flagship show. Together we have created something of a national institution which continues to be a phenomenal success in solving crime, winning ratings and maintaining high standards of public service.

Ross added that he had "no bad memories" other than of April 1999 and the death of his colleague Jill Dando. Ross says he will continue to support the Jill Dando Institute at University College London, work with the police on crime prevention and other initiatives, and retain his role with Crimestoppers and as an adviser to Victim Support.

Ben Gale, commissioning editor for factual features and formats, said: "We remain committed to the long term future of Crimewatch, which continues to perform well. However, every long running strand needs to be regularly refreshed and we are currently taking a wide-ranging look at all aspects of the programme."

The BBC has confirmed that Fiona Bruce will continue to present the programme.