Nick Hewer has quit The Apprentice after 10 years on the show.
The 70-year-old PR expert is to leave his position as Lord Alan Sugar's trusted right-hand man after a decade on the BBC business reality show.
In a statement, Nick writes: "I've been pondering my departure from 'The Apprentice' for a while and have decided that year 10 is the appropriate time. So I leave with relief, tinged with regret. Anyone can do what Karren and I have been doing, but it takes stamina to follow the candidates week after week, and my stamina is not up to those long weeks."
He also revealed he's very proud at the achievements he and Lord Sugar have made on the series to-date.
Nick added: "I think 'The Apprentice' is a truly valuable programme, teaching young people the basics of business - not in a classroom setting, but in a wonderfully entertaining format.
"And the winners each year validate the value of the show - talented, creative and hard-working young people, all of whom are making a great success of their businesses."
The Countdown host went on to post a goodbye to his fans on Twitter, tweeting: "So farewell Apprentice - it's been 10 yrs of fun working on a worthwhile show but now it's time to file the notebook and throttle back. Bye (sic)".
Lord Sugar paid tribute to his close friend on the social network site as well, writing: "It's with a heavy heart I have to say farewell to my good friend Nick Hewer from the apprentice. I thank him sincerely for the past 10 years (sic)".
When Nick started The Apprentice, he judged candidates alongside advisor Margaret Mountford, before she left to be replaced in 2009 by Karren Brady.
He originally began working with Lord Sugar back in 1983 when he was responsible with promoting the businessman's Amstrad electronics brand.
The final of this year's 'Apprentice' airs on BBC One on Sunday (21.12.14) and will see Bianca Miller and Mark Wright battle it out for a £250,000 investment for their business from Lord Sugar.
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