The Daily Show host Trevor Noah announced to his audience during Thursday’s taping that he’s stepping down as host.

“Before we go, I was chatting to Roy Wood Jr. yesterday when we finished the show, and he reminded me that it has been seven years since we started The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” he stated, earning applause from the audience.

The comedian told the audience that the feeling he got once the realization hit him was gratitude.

“I realized after seven years; my time is up. But in the most beautiful way. Honestly,” Noah said. “I loved hosting the show. It’s been one of my greatest challenges. It’s been one of my greatest joys. I’ve loved trying to figure out how to make people laugh even when the stories are particularly s**tty on the worst days. We’ve laughed together, we’ve cried together. But after seven years, I feel like it’s time.”

He talked about how he took a two-year hiatus from doing stand-up and expressed his interest in changing how he expressed himself and how he wanted to take on more projects and travel.

“I’ve been inspired by new ways to express myself, whether it be hosting a White House Correspondents’ Dinner or doing different stand-up shows around the world, whatever it may be,” he told the audience. “The point is, I want to say ‘thank you’ to you…I never dreamed that I would be here. I sort of feel like I was Charlie in the chocolate factory. I came in for a tour of what the previous show was, and the next thing I know, I was handed the keys.”

He thanked the audience and viewers, saying they’ve made the talk show one of the best experiences of the comedian’s life.

Noah took over The Daily Show in 2015, replacing Jon Stewart. During his time hosting, the South African comedian had some memorable moments, like when he argued with the conservative Tomi Lahren and hosted the 2022 White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

In a statement regarding

his exit, Paramount Global gave a statement, according to Variety.

“We are grateful to Trevor for our amazing partnership over the past seven years. With no timetable for his departure, we’re working together on next steps,” the network said. “As we look ahead, we’re excited for the next chapter in the 25+ year history of ‘The Daily Show’ as it continues to redefine culture through sharp and hilarious social commentary, helping audiences make sense of the world around them.”