Megyn Kelly confirms she is quitting Fox News to join NBC

The 46-year-old is among the most sought-after personalities in television news

Megyn Kelly at the Republican presidential candidates debate in Iowa - Photo Alex Wong/Getty Images (Getty)

Goodbye Rupert Murdoch. Goodbye Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly. And of course, goodbye Roger Ailes.

Megyn Kelly, one of the most sought-after faces in America's news industry, has confirmed she is leaving Fox News and taking up a new contract with NBC.

“Over a dozen years ago, I started at Fox News in a job that would change my life,” Ms Kelly said on Twitter. “Now, I have decided to end my time at FNC, incredibly enriched by the experiences I have had.”

The confirmation of her departure marked the end of a 12-year spell at Fox News that in the last year was marked by personal attacks against her by Donald Trump, and with her joining other women to level allegations of sexual harassment at Mr Ailes. (He has denied the allegations, but has left Fox News.)

Ms Kelly had been in talks for months about a new home for her news show, the second-most-watched after Mr O’Reilly. Her contract with the network was due to run out this summer.

The news was first reported by the New York Times, which said it was the “most anticipated television news contract negotiations” since Katie Couric signed with CBS News in 2006, for $15m a year.

Reports said that Fox News’s parent company, 21st Century Fox, which is controlled by the family of Mr Murdoch, had offered Ms Kelly more than $20m a year to stay after her current contract expires.

Ms Kelly clashed with Mr Trump during the first Republican debate, when she asked him about his derogatory terms about women. He later responded by suggesting she was menstruating.