Jack Dee is to step down as host of BBC2's 'The Apprentice: You’re Fired’.    

Dee took over the helm in 2015 as host of The Apprentice's BBC2 spin-off series but due to work commitments at the end of this year he is unable to return as host for the forthcoming series.

The 54-year-old stand-up says:  “It's been a tough decision to leave 'You're Fired'.  I'd like to thank The Apprentice team, BBC2, the candidates and the 'Big Man' Lord Sugar himself for making me feel so welcome but now, in keeping with The Apprentice tradition, I am firing myself.  Good luck with the next series.”

Alan Tyler, Acting Controller, BBC Entertainment Commissioning says: "Jack is one of the most talented comedians in the UK and he very quickly made 'You're Fired' his own. We are really sorry to see him go but we are also delighted to be working with him on a number of other projects" 

Dee is currently filming series two of the BBC sitcom 'Josh' (written and starring Josh Widdicombe) which will be returning to our screens later this year.  Amongst other projects Jack will continue to host the BBC Radio 4 show ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue’ throughout 2016 and also work on further specials of his BBC2 series 'Jack Dee's Helpdesk’.