MONTEL WILLIAMS - MONTEL WILLIAMS QUITS

MONTEL WILLIAMS QUITS

American TV talk show host MONTEL WILLIAMS is to quit his self-titled programme after 17 years on air. The popular daytime Montel show is to finish production later this year (08) but CBS distribution will allow fans a final look back at their favourite episodes with a 'Best of' series planned for the autumn (08). And the star has praised his fans for remaining loyal over the programme's long run. He says, "I can't say thank you enough to those who've welcomed me into their homes for the past 17 years. It has been both an honour and a joy. (I) talked with over 30,000 guests and over a half million studio audience members." In a statement, John Nogawski, president of CBS Television Distribution, paid tribute to the presenter, saying: "We have been honoured to have Montel as a part of our family for the past 17 years, and we're very excited that Montel will live on through these 'Best of' episodes."