So it’s really over: the voice of The X Factor, Peter Dickson, is leaving after 11 years of providing voiceovers for the show.

He was there when the show launched in 2004, and has remained a constant presence ever since with his bombastic announcing style. But now he’s saying goodbye, and the show will have to find a new voice.

Understandably, X Factor fans took to social media to express their devastation:

Will anyone else announce that “it’s time to face the music” in quite the same way?

Fans fondly remembered how great it was when he introduced contestant Rachel Adedeji:

…And Rachel herself was bereft:

But at this difficult time, we must remind you not to do your best ‘X Factor voiceover’ impression in the office, or you might get punched:

It remains to be seen who the show can find to replace Peter’s distinctive voice.

Peter Dickson has been the voice of The X Factor since it began in 2004
Peter Dickson has been the voice of The X Factor since it began in 2004 (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)