Comic Sandi Toksvig is leaving Radio 4’s The News Quiz after hosting hundreds of episodes over almost a decade.

The broadcaster, who took over as host in 2006, has been in charge for more than 220 episodes over 28 series and will bow out in June.

She said: “The News Quiz is one of the things I am proudest of in my professional life. From the beginning, when I arrived as a rather nervous panellist almost a quarter of a century ago, I have always enjoyed it and was overwhelmed when asked to become host back in 2006.

“Now I have decided it is time to move on and of course I feel sad but I think it’s the right moment. The show is in great shape and, like a good house guest, you should always depart when people still wish you’d stay a bit longer.

“Radio 4 is family to me and I have no intention of disappearing entirely and, who knows, maybe I can come back one day to The News Quiz as a guest and muck about a bit?”

Among the guests who have appeared alongside Toksvig are Jeremy Hardy, David Mitchell, Jo Brand and Sarah Millican.

The new host for the show, which has been running since 1977, will be announced later this year.