Network Ten agreed to release Mark from his judging duties only after an agreement to remain with the network was reached.

Mark Holden said: “Working on Idol has been an exceptional, challenging and gratifying experience. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved but it's time for me to look at doing other things.

David Mott, TEN’s chief programming officer, thanked Mark for five exceptional years as a judge on Idol. "This decision was not made simply nor taken lightly by either of us. Mark has made a valuable contribution to Idol since it began in 2003 and we appreciate what he offered the franchise. He's decided to leave Idol but not TEN, this relationship has a long way to go yet," he said.

Mark Fennessy, FremantleMedia Australia CEO, says “We acknowledge the outstanding contribution Mark has made to Australian Idol over the past 5 years. We wish him continued success in the future.”

Mark is appearing in the much celebrated production of SHOUT! now showing at The Lyric Theatre, Star City, Sydney.