As does co-presenter Georgie Ainslie

Josh Widdicombe is to leave Radio 5 Live's  Fighting Talk.

The comic and his co-presenter Georgie Ainslie are both standing down after two series of the topical sports show, citing their   'increasingly busy schedules'.

Widdicombe said his 'difficult decision' was down to 'continued television commitments and heading back out on tour'.

 He said: 'It has been a massive honour to host a show that I was a fan of for years and I look forward to getting my Saturday mornings back.'

Ainslie, who is married to Olympic sailor Ben Ainslie, said: 'I’ve absolutely loved working with the Fighting Talk team and panellists over the past two years, but have made the decision that it’s time to move on to pastures new. 

'My family and I are off to Bermuda for the Americas Cup in December, so I’m bowing out on a high with my wonderful co-host Josh.'

Fighting Talk, which is also sometimes hosted by Justin Moorhouse, begins its 14th season on Saturday September 17, although no new hosts have yet been announced.

Richard Maddock, 5 Live's commissioning editor added: 'Josh and Georgie have both done a fantastic job on Fighting Talk and we’d like to thank them for all their hard work and dedication over the last couple of years. They have created lots of fun and laughter on the programme and have both helped keep the show as essential Saturday morning listening for sports fans.'

Published: 9 Aug 2016