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Topics: Celebrity, TV and Film
Claire Reid
Topics: Celebrity, TV and Film
Joe Gatto has announced he is leaving Impractical Jokers due to 'personal issues'.
Gatto has spent ten years as part of the comedy troupe, but has said he will be quitting the show as he and his wife Bessy are separating.
The couple got married in 2013 and share two children - a six-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son.
In a statement, Gatto said: “I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with Impractical Jokers.
“Alongside my friends, I’ve devoted a decade of my life to building this franchise and couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished.
“However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away.
“Bessy and I have decided to amicably part ways, so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.
“Outside of my family, my relationships with Murr, Q and Sal have been the most important in my life. I know they will continue to make the world laugh.
“And even though the four of us are the ones who you all see, this show is only possible due to the hard work of the talented crew members who work behind the scenes. I am very thankful to have worked with each and every one of them.
“To all of the amazing fans, thank you for allowing me to make you laugh with Jokers. They say that laughter is the best medicine, and I hope I’ve been able to provide some of that over the last decade.
“Seeing you laugh has been my own medicine, particularly in these weird and difficult times we find ourselves.
“As I work through the challenges I am facing, I hope to and am excited to create new ways to entertain you.”
In her own statement, Bessy said the couple had decided to go their separate ways but would ‘always be a family’.
She said: “With love and respect, we have decided to separate. Although we will no longer be a couple, we will always be a family to our beautiful kids and we look forward to co-parenting together.
“We ask that you please respect our privacy as we navigate this new chapter together. And of course we will still continue to help animals and rescue dogs, which is something we are both passionate about!”