Influential television journalist and host Stan Grant will host his last episode of Q+A tonight for the immediate future, stating being “the target of racist abuse” has taken its toll.

Mr Grant has long been outspoken about the challenges he faces being Indigenous and a common sight on Australian television screens.

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford said he hoped his decision to step down from the hosting role was not permanent.

“I think it’s a very unfortunate story for a whole bunch of reasons, not the least of which is that you’ve got a very good journalist who’s not going to be in the game anymore,” Mr Ford said.

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Image: Getty/Michael Masters