Springer walking away from 'Talent' role

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- "America's Got Talent" host Jerry Springer says he is leaving the U.S. TV series to focus on his talk show and a theater production.

Springer said in a statement that after spending two seasons with the NBC talent competition, he would not take part in the series' fourth season, The Hollywood Reporter said Friday.

"I've had a wonderful time serving as host on 'America's Got Talent,'" Springer said. "These last two seasons, working with everyone associated with the show and all the extraordinary and talented performers across America, has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me."

Meanwhile, NBC alternative programming head Paul Telegdy lauded Springer for his work on "Talent," which was hosted by Regis Philbin in its initial season, the Reporter said.

"Jerry has been an important part of the 'America's Got Talent' family for the past two seasons," Telegdy said in a statement. "We thank him for his hard work and dedication to the show and congratulate him on this new endeavor."