Terrence Jenkins leaving E! News

Actor and host, Terrence Jenkins, announced on Tuesday night that he will be leaving E! News, after almost three years as co-anchor to focus on acting and producing full-time.

The Think Like A Man star joined E! in 2012 and has co-hosted the news alongside Giuliana Rancic and Maria Menounos .

“I started hosting when I was 16 years old back in North Carolina, and I’ve been now on national television for over 10 years,” he said as he began his farewell speech.

“Seventeen years, that’s a long time, and I think in order for someone to grow it’s important that you try new things and you create new challenges, create new dreams for yourself.”

“I took some time off this summer and I produced and I starred in my first feature film, and I’m really excited about it and it’s coming out at the top of the year. It’s called The Perfect Match. I knew I would have to leave to go on a promo run for that…I’ve had a lot of opportunities come in in the acting space, both behind the camera and in front of the camera. And so, with all of that said, I wanted to announce today that I’ll be leaving E! News,” he revealed.

Choosing to leave the show is “a decision that I’ve thought about long and hard,” Terrence, who was joined by Maria, Catt Sadler and Jason Kennedy as he made his announcement, continued. “I love you guys to the bottom of my heart. I love this crew, I love working with you guys; but it’s important I grow and I wanted to leave on my own terms and when I was ready.”

“Tomorrow’s going to be my last day. I didn’t want to do the long, drawn-out goodbye ’cause then I knew Jason would do the man-tear thing and I didn’t want him to have to convince me to stay,” he smiled.

“But I just want to thank you guys, for everybody that watches the show that has supported me over the years. Just thank you guys from the bottom of my heart.”

Terrence, 33, whose previous movies include Think Like a Man Too and Baggage Claim, just returned from the Dubai International Film Festival.

The Perfect Match is due for release in early 2016 and he will also be appearing on an upcoming episode of the NBC sitcom Truth Be Told.