South African comedian Trevor Noah confirmed to replace Jon Stewart as host of The Daily Show

South African comedian Trevor Noah will host iconic US late-night news satire The Daily Show, whose anchor Jon Stewart announced last month he would step down, the programme confirmed yesterday.

The 31-year-old is relatively unknown in the United States - he has appeared a handful of times as the show's "senior international correspondent" - but has a big following online and in his homeland.

The widely acclaimed Comedy Central programme has been led by Stewart for the past 16 years, and become an influential source of news and views for a younger audience that those tuning into straight news broadcasting.

"No one can replace Jon Stewart. But together with the amazing team at The Daily Show, we will continue to make this the best damn news show!" Noah tweeted.

In mid-February, Stewart announced he would leave the programme, which relentlessly pokes fun at politicians, current events and mainstream cable news. The exact date of his departure has not yet been announced.

"Very excited to welcome our next host: Trevornoah! That's right - another guy in late night from Soweto," Stewart tweeted.

The South African comedian, who grew up in the Johannesburg suburb of Soweto, has became an occasional contributor to the The Daily Show last year.