Akshay Kumar, who hosted the stunt and dare-devil reality game show Khatron Ke Khiladi, will not host the fifth season.
After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that actor Ajay Devgan will replace Akshay as the new host of the action-reality show.
Akshay hosted the first, second and fourth season of the game show which is based on Fear Factor. The third season was hosted by actress Priyanka Chopra.
The actor, who recently did dangerous stunts for his super hit film "Rowdy Rathore", has cited personal and professional reason for opting out of the show.
Although, the Colours channel, which broadcasts the show, refuses to comment on the replacement, sources said that it was Akshay who turned down the offer this time.
According to sources, the actor's wife, Twinkle Khanna, is pregnant with the couple's second child and is due to give birth around the same time the TV show goes on air.
"Akshay informed the channel and the producers of the show that he would be unable to play the host of the show which deals with stunts. Akshay who has been the anchor for the first, second and the fourth season was sure to be retained. However, since he is expecting his second baby in September, he wants to be close to his wife Twinkle," NDTV reported quoting a source as saying.
There were also report of John Abraham hosting the fifth season, but it seems the channel has zeroed in on Ajay Devgn.
The makers of the show have signed Ajay, who is known for his action image in the film industry.
"Since Akshay is unavailable for this year, the channel thought of another actor who would fit in and they have approached Ajay for the show. The talks between them are currently on and if all goes well, he will be doing the show," the source said.
"However, Ajay has his date diary blocked with multiple films and that's why the channel has decided to postpone the show till next year," the source added.
