Billy Bush announced Monday he is leaving as the host of “Extra.”

He shared the news on his “Hot Mics with Billy Bush” podcast.

“After an amazing five years hosting ‘Extra,’ I am moving on to continue building out my ‘Hot Mics’ digital platform,” he said. ”’Extra’ is culturally iconic. If I had a dollar for every time someone hollered, ‘Extra! Extra!’ to me at an airport or something, I’d buy Warner Bros. It’s been a tremendous honor and privilege to front this show. …

“I’m proud of it, (but) now it’s time to build something of my own. I’m forever grateful to the amazing staff at ‘Extra’ and the executives at Warner Bros. for this awesome chapter of my life.”

Bush replaced Mario Lopez as host of the entertainment news show in 2019.

“We are so grateful to Billy for five standout seasons with ‘Extra,’” Lauren Blincoe, the Senior Vice President, Current Programming of Telepictures, the Warner Bros. subsidy that produces ‘Extra,’ shared with Entertainment Weekly. “His dedication, experience and sharp reporting are just a few of the meaningful contributions he made on the show and with audiences alike. We thank him for the role he has played in shaping this chapter of ‘Extra’ and we wish him continued success in what’s ahead.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.