Gogglebox co-creator and showrunner Tania Alexander has abruptly left the show midway through its current run.

The exec had overseen the Channel 4 series since its debut in 2013, during which time it has become one of the channel's biggest shows and has run for 16 series and spawned a celebrity spinoff.

No reason for Alexander's departure has been given, with four episodes of the current series still due to air.

A short statement from production company Studio Lambert said: "We wish Tania success with her future projects."

A Channel 4 statement added: "We can confirm Tania Alexander is leaving Gogglebox.

"Studio Lambert's deputy creative director, Mike Cotton, will oversee the remainder of this series, along with Gogglebox's executive producer Leon Campbell."

Gogglebox continues Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4.