Craig Ferguson Steps Down as Host of CBS' 'Late Late Show'

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Craig Ferguson takes a call on CBS' "Late Late Show" in March.

Image: CBS Photo Archive

By Josh Dickey2014-04-29 00:31:35 UTC

Craig Ferguson is hitting the bricks after 10 years on The Late Late Show failed to lead to the big gig.

“CBS and I are not getting divorced, we are ‘consciously uncoupling,’" Ferguson said in a statement, "but we will still spend holidays together and share custody of the fake horse and robot skeleton, both of whom we love very much.”

SEE ALSO: Colbert Was CBS' 'Late Show' Guy Since 2012 — And Yes, He'll Keep the Name

Ferguson was well-liked by the network and enjoyed a loyal cult following, but never emerged as the heir apparent to David Letterman, whose Late Show will hand the keys over to Stephen Colbert sometime late next year. Still, it's no surprise that Ferguson is stepping down after getting officially passed over for the job.

Multiple sources have said the past few weeks have been tense for employees of the Late Late Show, after Mashable first reported that Colbert was the network's No. 1 choice to take over for the retiring Letterman. Uncertainty continued with multiple trade reports that Chelsea Handler was being considered for the network's 12:30 slot, which CBS has firmly denied (and now it's being reported that Handler is going to Netflix. We'll see.)

Ferguson broke the news to his studio audience Monday that he will end his run in December, which fulfills a contract extension he signed in 2012.

“During his 10 years as host, Craig has elevated CBS to new creative and competitive heights at 12:30,” CBS Entertainment Chairman Nina Tassler said in a statement. “He infused the broadcast with tremendous energy, unique comedy, insightful interviews and some of the most heartfelt monologues seen on television.”

This story is developing ...

Topics: CBS, craig ferguson, david letterman, Entertainment, Late Late Show, stephen colbert, Television