The Impractical Jokers comedy troupe have opened up about the future of the show, following the news that Joe Gatto would be leaving amid ‘issues’ in his personal life.
Co-creator Gatto announced that he had quit the series in a social media post shared with fans on Saturday 1 January, saying he needed to focus on his family after splitting from his wife.
Now remaining members James Murray, Brian Quinn and Sal Vulcano have revealed what their plan is, confirming a ‘new chapter’ is on its way despite changes to the lineup.
In a joint statement, the trio said: “Hi everyone, so here we are... After all these years together, we never imagined making Impractical Jokers without Joe.
"While we are saddened to see him go, we want to keep making people laugh, keep our relationship with the Impractical Jokers fans going, and keep working with the members of our team that we consider family.
"With the support of our fans, we'll get back to making a new chapter of Impractical Jokers in January."
The show saw the four friends challenge one another to a series of dares, each receiving a thumbs up or thumbs down for their performance.
However, Gatto – who had starred on the show for 10 years after it premiered in 2011 – has now decided to ‘step away’.
While he said he was proud of what the group had achieved through the franchise, he said he needed to ‘focus on being the best father’ after splitting from wife Bessy, with whom he has two children.
He said: "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."
Gatto added: "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."
It is not known whether the remaining members plan to replace Joe with another person, or continue as a three.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: TV and Film
Jess Hardiman