Today, The Wright Stuff host spoke about his exit and what he has planned for the future.
Anne Diamond quizzed Matthew about why he chose to leave the show.
He replied: “There’s not a lot to say really other than the fact that, you know, better than most, the demands of getting up for a daytime show.
“I’m not going to equate it with digging roads, which is hard as well, but the old brain!
“I’m up at three o’clock in the morning these days and I go to bed at half seven.
“I’ve had 18 and a half years of it, Mrs Wright, we pass like ships in the night and you’re looking around and thinking, at some point you’ve got to have a change.”
Speaking about the response he had from viewers, Matthew commented: “I have to say, I had no idea people could be so nice on Twitter.
“Yesterday, just people being really nice, I was quite overwhelmed.”
The 52-year-old went on to add: I’m here as far as I know until late June and early July.
“I have no idea what I will do next.”
Matthew then joked: “I am available for weddings and birthdays.”
The presenter announced his departure from the show in a statement on Tuesday.
“After almost 18 glorious years on Channel 5 and with the show flying high in the ratings, I feel it’s time to depart and try my hand at something new,” he said.
Ben Frow, Director of Programmes at Channel 5 added: “We would like to thank Matthew for his passion, hard work and enthusiasm over the last 18 years and for making the show what it is today.
“He will be sorely missed and we wish him all the very best for the future.”
Following the news, Matthew joked that his rival Victoria Derbyshire would be “thrilled”.
Writing on his Twitter account, he told his 46,900 followers: “I bet Victoria Derbyshire will be thrilled x.”
Earlier today, he reflected on the reaction to his news.
“Thanks again for all the amazing comments and messages. I had no idea. Not going anywhere for a couple of months btw xx,” he wrote.
The Wright Stuff airs on Channel 5.
