'It won't hit me 'til I say goodnight!' Ryan Seacrest admits he's having trouble coming to terms with the end of American Idol  

By Bobbie Whiteman For Dailymail.com

Published: 20:01 EST, 7 April 2016 | Updated: 21:05 EST, 7 April 2016

Ryan Seacrest admits it hasn't sunk in that American Idol is ending.

The 41-year-old presenter has fronted the Fox talent show since it began in 2002 and will only truly realise the programme is coming to an end when he signs off for the final time on Thursday night.

'It's surreal. It's starting to sink in. But I don't think it will really hit me until I say, "Goodnight, America," that one last time,' the celebrity told People in an interview published online on Thursday.

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The end of an era: Ryan Secrest has fronted American Idol since it began in 2002 and said he will only truly realise the programme is coming to an end when he signs off for the final time on Thursday night

The end of an era: Ryan Secrest has fronted American Idol since it began in 2002 and said he will only truly realise the programme is coming to an end when he signs off for the final time on Thursday night

While he hasn't accepted its 15-season run is over yet, Ryan has been preparing for the finale of the show and took out the 300-strong crew a few weeks ago to celebrate the end of an era.

He told People: 'I took them out as a thank you. It was great.'

The popular host has seen a number of changes to the judging line-up over the years, but has particular fond memories of the first seven seasons with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

Wrapping things up: The 41-year-old with his 2016 judges Keith Urban, Jenifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr

Wrapping things up: The 41-year-old with his 2016 judges Keith Urban, Jenifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr

What next: The celebrity has hosted the talent show since its premiere on Fox in 2002. He described its ending saying, 'It's surreal. It's starting to sink in'

What next: The celebrity has hosted the talent show since its premiere on Fox in 2002. He described its ending saying, 'It's surreal. It's starting to sink in'

He said recently: 'We had such a good, tight and close relationship.

'We'd say to each other, @Don't bring up what we were just talking about backstage because it's personal.

'But that's exactly what Simon would do, and we'd have a laugh about it. It made the show so much more fun for us.'

Standing by his man: Ryan with Trent Harmon, one of the two contestants who will battle it out for the final American Idol title in a live show from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood

Standing by his man: Ryan with Trent Harmon, one of the two contestants who will battle it out for the final American Idol title in a live show from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood

Cuddling up: La'Porsha Renae is also in the running for the title, wrapping the 15th and final season

Cuddling up: La'Porsha Renae is also in the running for the title, wrapping the 15th and final season

Contestants La'Porsha Renae and Trent Harmon were named as the finalists after their appearance on Wednesday night.

They will battle it out for the final American Idol title, which will air live from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

The reality show launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert and Fantasia among others.

Early days: Ryan, second right, with judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell in 2005

Early days: Ryan, second right, with judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell in 2005

 

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