House 'to end this year'

Medical drama will finish after current season...

09:57 09 February 2012

US medical drama series House is to come to an end after eight years, it has been confirmed.

The show's producers, David Shore, Katie Jacobs and Hugh Laurie, broke the news in a statement released on 8 February, saying:

"We have always imagined House as an enigmatic creature; he should never be the last one to leave the party.

"How much better to disappear before the music stops, while there is still some promise and mystique in the air."

Laurie also plays the lead character - brilliant but unconventional doctor, Gregory House - in the popular series, which has won nearly 40 awards since it began.

Kevin Reilly, Fox's Entertainment President, thanked the show's fans for making it such a success, saying:

"For eight seasons, the entire House team has given us - and fans around the world - some of the most compelling characters and affecting stories ever seen on television. They have been creatively tenacious and collaborative throughout this incredible run, and they are amongst the most superior talents in the business.

"For all the above, we wholeheartedly thank them, and the fans who have supported the show."

The last series of House is currently airing on the Fox network and will end in April.