It is, with regret, that we have to tell you Nick Hewer has resigned as Alan Sugar's confidante on British business competition show 'The Apprentice' after ten years by his side. It is unknown as yet as to who will replace him.

Nick Hewer at the Life After Stroke Awards
Nick Hewer bids farewell to 'The Apprentice'

Known for his quizzical eyebrows and cutting comments, Nick Hewer would be an ominous presence watching over the tasks of one of two teams on the show, before subsequently snitching on them to Lord Sugar when they were called to the boardroom. Now, however, the 70-year-old has decided to leave his post, admitting that he's no longer up to the task of following groups of young, enthusiastic, would-be entrepreneurs for twelve weeks as they rush to complete their assignments.

More: What does Alan Sugar think of 'The Apprentice' cliches?

The initial announcement appears to have been made on Twitter, with the star - whose day jobs include PR consulting and TV presenting - posting to his followers: 'So farewell Apprentice - it's been 10 yrs of fun working on a worthwhile show but now it's time to file the notebook and throttle back. Bye.'

Alan Sugar also made an announcement via the social networking site, which was later re-Tweeted by his friend. 'It's with a heavy heart I have to say farewell to my good friend Nick Hewer from the apprentice. I thank him sincerely for the past 10 years', he wrote.

More: Nick Hewer has his watch stolen

Hewer made a statement regarding his departure, suggesting his decision to pass over the baton to another cynical informant was bitter-sweet. 'I've been pondering my departure from 'The Apprentice' for a while and have decided that year 10 is the appropriate time', he says. 'So I leave with relief, tinged with regret. Anyone can do what Karren [Brady] and I have been doing, but it takes stamina to follow the candidates week after week, and my stamina is not up to those long weeks.'

More: Lord Sugar slammed at tribunal with 'The Apprentice' winner

Watch Nick Hewer on 'The Apprentice' for the last time in Sunday's season ten final, as Bianca and Mark battle it out to become Lord Sugar's business partner (December 21st 2014).