Andy Parsons quits Mock The Week
Andy Parsons has announced he is quitting Mock The Week to focus on other projects.
The comedian, who has been a regular panellist on the topical comedy since it launched in Summer 2005, has revealed that after 135 appearances he is leaving to focus on live stand-up tours and his new podcast.
He says: "I'd like to thank all of the people I've worked with over the years on Mock and from the BBC. However, when 'Unlikely Things to Hear in a Superhero Movie' comes around for the 4th time it is probably time to move on."
Parsons appeared on six episodes across the first two series of Mock The Week, before officially being installed as a permanent fixture of the programme from Series 3.
His tenure on the show saw other regulars Rory Bremner, Frankie Boyle, Russell Howard and Chris Addison come and go. Only host Dara O Briain and Hugh Dennis remain from the original line-up.
Parsons has been absent from a number of episodes in the past, including three in the recent Series 14 whilst touring his own live show across the UK.
Mock The Week has come under renewed fire in recent weeks for having never booked two female comedians on the same episode. As part of his parting comments, Parsons says: "Perhaps this will be an opportunity to make a female comedian a regular."
Parsons is currently on the road with the autumn leg of his 100+ date UK tour Live And Unleashed - But Naturally Cautious and has just recorded his 4th live DVD during two nights at Margate's Theatre Royal.
Talking about the tour, Parsons comments: "People say you mellow as you get older. But I think I'm angrier now than I've ever been. Because when you're young, you think things are going to change."
The comedian is also preparing Slacktivist Action Group, a monthly live show in London in which he will be joined by "MPs, journalists, experts and other know-nothing comedians".
Andy and the show's producers explain: "In combo with the audience, [the guests] will thrash over a current topic before deciding on some direct action that they will try to achieve before the next month's meeting, in the full knowledge this will be unlikely/impractical/poorly attended. The direct action could be absolutely anything - from sit-ins to lie-downs to flashmobbing a coffee morning. The group will then adjourn to the bar."
The shows will be recorded and released as podcasts.
Speaking about his future, Parsons says: "I, myself, am looking forward to chairing the new monthly show and podcast Slacktivist Action Group and delving a little deeper into the bigger issues affecting the UK. With what seems like an exciting time for politics in this country, this is something I'd like to focus more of my time upon, with a chance to host a show and set my own agenda."
Referencing the impending renewal of the BBC's charter in 2016, the comedian added: "I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the BBC well in its fight to avoid even more damaging cuts - love it or lose it."
Mock The Week is expected to return next year. It is not yet known whether Parsons will be replaced permanently, or whether his empty chair will be filled by an additional guest each week, as has been the case during his previous absences.
Host Dara O Briain tweeted this afternoon: "A pleasure to work with you @MrAndyParsons, and good luck with the new projects. (*Doffs Cap*)"
Tonight BBC Two will show an episode of highlights and out-takes from the recently concluded Series 14. A Christmas special is also believed to be lined-up for broadcast in December.