Hugh Laurie says it was a "painful" decision to end hit medical drama House M.D.

The British actor, 52, issued a statement along with the other producers David Shore and Katie Jacobs confirming the news that the show will not be coming back.

The final episode will air in April this year, bringing an end to the Emmy Award winning series.

"After much deliberation, the producers of House M.D. have decided that this season of the show, the eighth, should be the last," the statement read.

"By April this year they will have completed 177 episodes, which is about 175 more than anyone expected back in 2004.

"The decision to end the show now, or ever, is a painful one, as it risks putting asunder hundreds of close friendships that have developed over the last eight years.

"But also because the show itself has been a source of great pride to everyone involved."

The cast and crew "will bid farewell to the audience and to each other with more than a few tears, but also with a deep feeling of gratitude for the grand adventure they have been privileged to enjoy for the last eight years," they added.

The ensemble cast included Lisa Edelstein, Omar Epps and made stars of previous cast members Olivia Wilde and Jennifer Morrison.