JIMMY FALLON - 'JIMMY FALLON TO SUCCEED CONAN O'BRIEN ON NBC LATE SHOW'

'JIMMY FALLON TO SUCCEED CONAN O'BRIEN ON NBC LATE SHOW'

Jimmy Fallon is to succeed Late Night host Conan O'Brien on NBC in 2009, the Hollywood Reporter has quoted sources as saying.

O'Brien is moving into the 23:35 slot after the retirement of the Tonight Show's host Jay Leno.

The Hollywood Reporter claims that Fallon will take over in the 00:35 slot and that NCB is expected to confirm the appointment on May 12th.

The legendary chat show host Leno has now become a much sought-after free agent since announcing his retirement in 2004. ABC and Fox are both believed to be trying to seduce the host into joining their ranks, while NBC Universal is reported to be attempting to develop a new show to keep him on the company's books.

Fallon has considerable experience after hosting Saturday Night Live and starring in a number of Hollywood films including Fever Pitch and Taxi.

NBC have not made any comment on the reports.