Chris Tarrant decided to leave TV after 52 years for heartbreaking reason
Chris Tarrant has been a familiar face on TV for over half a century, but in December last year he announced his retirement from television.
Chris Tarrant speaks about taking step back from TV
Towards the end of last year, broadcaster Chris Tarrant announced his retirement from television following an impressive 52-year career on screen.
His television debut came in 1972 as a newsreader for ATV Today, though most viewers will recognise Chris from his enduring stint hosting the quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Chris fronted the beloved programme for 16 years, from its first episode in 1998 until his departure in 2014.
During Tuesday's instalment of Good Morning Britain, the 78-year-old discussed his decision to withdraw from the entertainment industry with hosts Charlotte Hawkins and Richard Madeley.
Charlotte said: "A lot of people will be thinking, 'Well, hold on, we haven't seen Chris Tarrant on TV for ages!', Why is that?"
Chris Tarrant presented Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? for 16 years
(Image: ITV )
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He responded: "I used to work like a dog, for years. I lost five really good mates, my sort of age, over about 12 months. I just thought, well, you know, I'm about the same age, I've worked very hard all my life.
"I thought, do I really want to spend the rest of my life, whether that's a year, 10 years, 20 years or whatever, do I want to spend it in radio studios and TV studios? No, I don't. So I just pop in now to plug my book and then go home again."
The 78-year-old informed the presenting duo that he now leads a 'really nice' life and is thoroughly enjoying himself, reports the Mirror.
Chris Tarrant appeared on Tuesday's Good Morning Britain
(Image: ITV )
He continued: "I enjoyed working, but now I have a really good time!"
Richard pointed out that Chris is often invited to participate in reality shows, wondering if viewers might ever see him on one.
When Charlotte proposed he join the I'm A Celeb line-up, Chris was quick to dismiss the idea.He responded: "No, I really wouldn't.
"I just couldn't stand it, I really couldn't. I don't want to lie with my head covered in maggots and them going down my trousers, no thanks."
Chris Tarrant decided to leave TV after 52 years for heartbreaking reason
(Image: ITV )
As the interview began to conclude, Richard told Chris that people miss seeing him on television, while Charlotte revealed her co-star's name confusion during his appearance on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
She stated: "You (Richard) kept calling Jeremy (Clarkson) Chris by mistake!So there you go, that's how much he missed you."
Chris retorted: "When you do a show like that, one of the briefings, know the name of the host! It's very important."
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Good Morning Britain is available to watch on ITVX.
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