[Arneldo]

NOOOOOO!!

NEVER Mind The Buzzcocks host Simon Amstell has stunned BBC bosses by quitting the hit show, TV Biz can reveal.
The 29-year-old has won numerous awards for hosting the music quiz since replacing Mark Lamarr in 2006.

He has gained thousands of loyal fans with his witty quips and snide put-downs.

But last night a BBC insider revealed: “Simon is a funny guy who can think on his feet but he has decided it is time to move on.

“He is working on a new project that has been commissioned by the BBC and feels he wants to concentrate on that.”

Curly-haired former Popworld presenter Simon will not be replaced by a permanent host, but by a rolling rota of guest celebs.

A BBC spokeswoman confirmed: “After three series, Simon is leaving Never Mind The Buzzcocks.”

A Beeb source added: “He has completely revitalised the show and we will be sad to see him go.”

Comic Noel Fielding will join chubby Phill Jupitus as team captain for the new series, to be screened in the autumn.

Classic Amstell moments include when Ordinary Boys singer Preston stormed out of the studio after Simon mocked his then wife, Celeb BB star Chantelle Houghton.


Simon read extracts from Chantelle’s book in which she said wearing M&S clothes for a photoshoot made her feel “upmarket”.

Preston said afterwards he had been tempted to “knock him out”, adding: “If I’d had to look at his snotty little public schoolboy failed-career face, I would’ve hit him.”

Sun