EDDIE MURPHY QUITS AS OSCAR HOST

The Oscars will have to start looking for a new host after comedy actor EDDIE MURPHY quit his role as presenter for 2012 after the controversial departure of producer BRETT RATNER yesterday. 

In a statement issued before, the Beverly Hills Cop and Nutty Professor star said:

 "First and foremost I want to say that I completely understand and support each party's decision with regard to a change of producers for this year's Academy Awards ceremony. I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I'm sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job."

Tower Heist director Ratner who was set to produce next year's Telecast for the show resigned from his position after making remarks about rehearsals being for 'fags' last week with many people citing the remarks as homophobic. He apologised for the remarks but decided to leave anyway. The departure of Murphy comes as a big blow for the show as its chances of pulling in ratings look to have suffered, disappointment for him especially as it could have been the great opportunity of a comeback but this news surely kills that now.

The quest for a new producer and presenter will be interesting though I would certainly love to see BILLY CRYSTAL be brought back again to at least revive the popularity of the Oscars to its former glory. The search begins....