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Comedian Jake O'Kane has announced he is leaving The Blame Game

Comedian Jake O'Kane has announced he is leaving the Blame Game
Comedian Jake O'Kane has announced he is leaving the Blame Game Comedian Jake O'Kane has announced he is leaving the Blame Game

STAND up comic and Irish News columnist Jake O'Kane is set to leave the hit BBC comedy panel programme The Blame Game.

The Belfast-born comedian has been a regular on the popular programme for the past 16 years.

It also features Tim McGarry, Colin Murphy and Neil Delamere.

Well known on the comedy circuit, Mr O'Kane has also performed around the world.

In the past he has hosted the BBC's 'One Night Stand' and is a regular MC at The Empire Laughs Back Comedy Club.

He has also made guest appearances on Give My Head Peace and performed on Comic Relief.

Writing in his weekly Irish News column today he reveals that he is now bringing the curtain down on his time on The Blame Game.

"And finally, in an attempt to pre-empt rumours I’ve died, I’m announcing that after many happy years, I’ve decided to step down from The Blame Game on BBC NI," he says.

"I wish Tim, Colin, Neil and the team every success going forward."

Mr O'Kane reveals he will now be spending more time on his live comedy work.

"I will be spending my time annoying local politicians online and doing what I’ve always loved best - live comedy," he says.

"So, with a bit of luck and a vaccine, I’ll hopefully see you at a local theatre next year, if not before."

A spokesman for the BBC said: "“Jake has been an important and much-loved member of the Blame Game panel.

"We are grateful for his contribution to the programme’s success.

"Our next series will see some changes which will reflect our ambition to showcase emerging comedy talent.”