BREAKING. Mark Steines suddenly leaving Entertainment Tonight after 17 years, will be gone at the end of his current contract.

Mark Steines is out at Entertainment Tonight, leaving ''the world's most watched entertainment news magazine show in the world'' in a shocking exit of on-air talent that's continuing to hammer the show and could drive viewers to rival news magazines.

The longtime Mary Hart left Entertainment Tonight (SABC3, Fridays, 21:30) last year, followed earlier this year by Samantha Harris; now Mark Steines who used to be the co-anchor together with Nancy O'Dell, is also out the door at Studio City in California where the show is produced.

Mark Steines who's been with Entertainment Tonight for 17 years (8 of which as co-host) and who is an avid photographer gave the usual ''leaving to pursue other interest'' reason to The New York Post which broke the news. ''He has been a beloved member of Entertainment Tonight for 17 years, and we fully support his decision,'' an Entertainment Tonight spokesperson told the newspaper.

It's highly likely that Entertainment Tonight which cut Mary Hart's pay which basically forced her to leave, also didn't come to terms with Mark Steines about money for a contract extension with both sides doing the obligatory ''play nice'' sentence platitude. Nobody just leaves a show or a job like this.

Mark Steines will  be leaving at the end of his current contract.