Oprah Winfrey preparing to quit talkshow

Oprah Winfrey is preparing to quit her long-running talkshow at the end of the 2010-11 season.

The 55-year-old host, who will have completed 25 seasons of The Oprah Winfrey Show, is expected to announce the news live on tomorrow's edition.

A spokesperson for CBS today confirmed Winfrey's departure and praised her for her hard work over the years.

"We have the greatest respect for Oprah and wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors. We know that anything she turns her hand to will be a great success.

"We look forward to working with her for the next several years, and hopefully afterwards as well."

Winfrey's first television gig was host of WLS-TV's low-rated half-hour morning talk-show, AM Chicago. Shortly after she took over, the show became the highest rated talk show in the city and was subsequently renamed The Oprah Winfrey Show.