Steve Burns explains 'Blue's Clues' exit in message to fans

Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Steve Burns is addressing his exit from Blue's Clues for the first time.

The 47-year-old actor discussed his departure from the show in a message to fans posted Tuesday on the Nick Jr. official Twitter account.

Burns hosted Blue's Clues from 1996 to 2002. In a video, Burns said he left the show in order to go to college.

"You remember how when we were younger, we used to run around and hang out with Blue and find clues and talk to Mr. Salt and freak out about the mail and do all the fun stuff? And then one day, I was like, 'Oh hey, guess what? Big news, I'm leaving. This is my brother Joe, he's your new best friend,' and then I got on a bus and I left and we didn't see each other for like a really long time? Can we just talk about that? Because I realize that was kind of abrupt," the actor said.

"I just kinda got up and went to college," he explained. "And that was really challenging by the way, but great because I got to use my mind and take a step at a time and now I literally am doing many of the things that I wanted to do."

Burns, who wore the hat and striped green shirt he sported on Blue's Clues, celebrated his old viewers and their accomplishments and thanked fans for their support.

"I wanted to tell you that I really couldn't have done all of that without your help. And in fact, all the help that you helped me with when we were younger is still helping me today, right now. And that's super cool," Burns said.

"I guess I just wanted to say that after all these years, I never forgot you. Ever. And I'm super glad we're still friends," he added.

Donovan Patton replaced Burns as Blue's Clues host following Burns' exit. Patton, as the character Joe, hosted the show from 2002 until its end in 2006.

Burns' message was posted a day before the 25th anniversary of the Blue's Clues premiere. Nick Jr. marked the occasion Wednesday by sharing a video featuring Burns, Patton and old moments from the show.