NBC Confirms ‘Tonight” Show Changes

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NBC has released a statement confirming the long-suspected rumor that Jay Leno will be vacating the Tonight Show desk. Jimmy Fallon has been confirmed as his replacement.

The change reportedly will occur in February following the conclusion of the Winter Olympics in Russia. NBC plans to use the games to promote Leno's farewell and Fallon's debut.

The show will also be relocating from Los Angeles to New York -- where it first began. Jay told the NYTimes, "The main difference between this and the other time is I'm part of the process. The last time the decision was made without me. I came into work one day and -- you're out. There really aren't any complications like there were the last time. This time it feels right."

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Jay also discussed his tenure hosting the show saying, "I'm glad I've kept it No. 1. When I started people said, 'Oh the only reason you're winning is because of 'ER,' or 'The only reason you're winning is because Hugh Grant came on and said that one thing.' Well, at least now I can say the only reason we're winning is cause we're winning."

He added that after the end of his reign as host he plans to be "back on the road, being a comedian again."

Fallon will be the Tonight Show's sixth host.

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