Davina to quit after Big Brother 8

Big Brother presenter Davina McCall will quit the Channel 4 reality show after the next series.

The 39-year-old mum-of-three has been the face of the show for the last seven years, but it is understood that she wants to move on and work on other TV projects.

Davina, who has fronted BB since its first showing back in 2000, is thought to be sorry to leave the show, which is made by production company Endemol, but is excited about moving on to other things.

A source close to the former Streetmate presenter said: "Davina loves doing Big Brother but she knows when enough is enough.

"She enjoys the show and is very fond of everyone she works with but wants to spread her wings and go on to something different.

"She is worried about getting pigeonholed so has made the hard decision to walk out."

However, despite Davina's shock resignation, the show will go on. Recently contracts were signed with Channel 4 to ensure that the nation has a dose of its favourite reality show every year for three years after this.

A £180 million deal has been thrashed out to ensure there is a ninth, 10th and 11th series, and celebrity versions.

The show is known as a springboard for British talent. Dermot O'Leary was best known as the host of Big Brother's Little Brother, but quit after winning the coveted role as presenter of The X-Factor.

Russell Brand rejuvenated his career with Big Brother's Big Mouth, only to quit last year. Davina is set to step into his shoes to host a BB spin-off.

She will front a Sunday night programme for the new series, which begins on 30 May, called Big Brother On The Couch which will see psychologists analysing housemates' behaviour.