Trevor Noah, the 31-year-old presenter who only made his debut as a contributor to the Daily Show in December, has been announced as Jon Stewart's replacement on the show. A South African native, Noah has hosted numerous TV shows in his homeland including his own late night talk show.

Jon StewartJon Stewart will be replaced by Trevor Noah on The Daily Show

"It's an honor to follow Jon Stewart," Noah told the New York Times, "He and the team at The Daily Show have created an incredible show whose impact is felt all over the world," Noah said in a statement. "In my brief time with the show they've made me feel so welcome. I'm excited to get started and work with such a fantastic group of people."

"You don't believe it for the first few hours. You need a stiff drink, and then unfortunately you're in a place where you can't really get alcohol."

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Stewart, who has been hosting the satirical show since 1999, announced he was leaving his post in February. Veteran correspondent Jason Jones and his wife Samantha Bee also exited the show this year.

"I'm thrilled for the show and for Trevor," Stewart said in a statement. "He's a tremendous comic and talent that we've loved working with.In fact, I may rejoin as a correspondent just to be a part of it!!!"

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There had been some speculation that Amy Poehler and Tina Fey could potentially take over the program and Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless said the network "talked to women. We talked to men. We found in Trevor the best person for the job."

"Trevor Noah is an enormous talent. He has an insightful and unique point of view, and most importantly, is wickedly funny," Ganeless said in a statement. "For the next host of The Daily Show, we set out to find a fresh voice who can speak to our audience with a keen take on the events of the day, and we found that in Trevor. He has a huge international following and is poised to explode here in America, and we are thrilled to have him join Comedy Central."

It is yet to be announced when Stewart will be leaving the show.