Grossman shuts his keyhole

Celebrity snooper Loyd Grossman is quitting long-running panel game show Through The Keyhole after 15 years, it was announced today.

The star - famed for his twisted vowels - wants to spend more time away from the TV screen to work on his other interests.
He is to be replaced by Catherine Gee who has appeared on BBC2's Escape To The Country and ITV1's The Farmer Wants A Wife.

Grossman has been with Through The Keyhole with presenter Sir David Frost since it launched in 1987 on ITV.

The show later transferred to Sky and then found a more permanent home on daytime BBC1.

Grossman has become involved in launching his own food brand with a range of sauces after becoming known as a TV foodie on the BBC culinary competition he launched, Masterchef.

On the show, panellists are invited to identify a celebrity guest after being given a view of their home.

Grossman tours the properties, spotting features and details which might give a clue to the minor celebrity that lives there.

His agent Alex Armitage said today: "He is going to spend more time looking after his business interests." Sir David will continue to front the programme.