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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Scarlett O'Toole

Tucker Carlson appeared to have no idea he'd be leaving days before immediate exit

Tucker Carlson has left Fox News after almost 10 years with the network, but it seems the popular presenter was unaware of his departure during his final show.

The 53-year-old had hosted Tucker Carlson Tonight since 2016, with his last episode having aired on Friday.

However, Tucker told fans he would be back next week as he signed off the show, giving no indication that he knew about what was to come.

"What a great way to end the week, truly that was a great segment," the conservative commentator said.

He added: "That's it from us for the week, we'll be back. By the way, the entire episode of Let Them Eat Bugs, not quite as good as pizza, streaming now on Fox Nation News.

Tucker Carlson has left Fox News with immediate effect (Fox News)

"We'll be back on Monday. In the meantime, have the best weekend with the ones that you love."

Confirming Tucker's departure in a statement, Fox News said: "FOX News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways. We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor.

"Mr Carlson's last program was Friday, April 21st.

"Fox News Tonight will air live at 8PM/ET starting this evening as an interim show helmed by rotating FOX News personalities until a new host is named."

He said he would be back this week (Fox News)

The value of Fox News shares has plummeted following the announcement.

Tucker joined Fox News in 2016 and his departure comes just days after Fox settled with Dominion Voting Systems, which had sued for defamation.

Dominion Voting Systems had sued Rupert Murdoch's business empire claiming it had damaged its reputation by repeatedly airing conspiracy theories in the US about its machine.

They claimed many of the channels star presenters, including Tucker, falsely accused the company of helping orchestrate a fraud that cost former President Donald Trump re-election in 2020.

Dominion originally sued for $1.6billion (£1.2billion), but settled for a $787million (£634million) payment from Fox just moments before the trial was due to begin.

Rupert Murdoch would have had to take the stand during the defamation case (AP)

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The trial was set to get underway prior to the settlement, with witnesses such as Rupert Murdoch, his son Lachlan and a whole host of Fox News presenters ready to give evidence.

The case had been scheduled to last for weeks.

In a statement after the deal, Fox Corporation said: "We are pleased to have reached a settlement of our dispute with Dominion Voting Systems.

"We acknowledge the court’s rulings finding certain claims about Dominion to be false.

"This settlement reflects Fox’s continued commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

"We are hopeful that our decision to resolve this dispute with Dominion amicably, instead of the acrimony of a divisive trial, allows the country to move forward from these issues."

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