Gossip guru Richard Reid quits Today show, but promises to be back ‘like a bad rash’

MORNING television’s biggest personality has announced the end of his adored segment, but promises he’ll be back ‘like a bad rash’ in 2015.

Richard Reid at the Party Confidential premiere of U2 in 3D at the IMAX cinema, Darling Harbour in Sydney.

TODAY show gossip guru Richard Reid is leaving the morning news program — but swears he’ll be back “like a bad rash”.

The biggest personality on TV announced his departure on social media, writing that his time with the team had been “one of the wildest and most rewarding of my career. I am truly blessed.”

But outspoken Reid added: “I love to say that I’m like a bad rash: I always come back!”

The Hollywood-based presenter said his time will now be spent “attending to family matters and hard at work developing TV projects in both Oz and LA.”

Post by Richard Reid.

He will continue writing for Woman’s Day, in which he has a regular column called “What the frock?”

Despite the end of his “seven glorious years” at Today, the larger-than-life celebrity reporter promised there were some exciting plans in the works.

“2015 will be full of surprises,” he added.

His announcement, posted on Facebook and Twitter at around midnight AEST, has already attracted an outpouring of love and good wishes from fans.

@RReidsHollywood Oh no! Say it isn't so! Ding dang we'll miss that gorgeous face in the morning but wish you every happiness for the future

— Joanna Wade (@BreakWade) January 10, 2015

@RReidsHollywood oh no, going to miss you on the show. Especially when u do your beckham & britney voices. All the best for the future

— bec thompson (@bec_thompson) January 10, 2015

@RReidsHollywood nooooo,that makes me sad, you will be missed. I hope there are many bright things ahead for you, best wishes

— Chris Robinson (@Deansmum) January 10, 2015

“Noooooooo!!!!! :( all the best for the future!” wrote Twitter user Tracy Cruse.

“Your infectious laugh & energy lights up the morning,” added Thomas.

Many paid tribute to the gossip king using his own memorable catchphrase: “Ding dang!”

Reid has previously told news.com.au of his dreams to playing an even bigger role in the Australian media, suggesting that he would be willing to move to Melbourne.

“I could see myself in future years maybe hosting a talk show or a game show,” said the flamboyant performer.

Celebrity reporter Reid with Today show co-host Lisa Wilkinson.

He claims his wise-cracking, self-deprecating on-air persona is a fairly accurate representation of his real-life self.

“I’m always ready for a good laugh so I’m very similar in that regard,” he said. “No-one can be happy 24 hours a day so I would say I’m not quite as energetic in real life as I am on TV.”

But a little love from his burgeoning Aussie fanbase is the perfect tonic.

“If I’m feeling low I just need to head to a tourist destination in Hollywood and an Australian tourist will make me feel good about myself,” he joked.

Could 2015 be the year that Richard Reid goes stratospheric?

Reid with Shane Warne.