Done Deal: Jay Leno Leaves "The Tonight Show"

After weeks of news media reporting that the changes in “The Tonight Show” were imminent and speculations about behind-the-scenes friction between NBC and Jay Leno, it has been confirmed that they’re saying goodbye to the TV talk show host.

“The Tonight Show” will begin a new era next February.

NBC has announced that Jimmy Fallon will succeed Jay Leno as host of the most successful program in late-night television, also the show’s sixth host. This, of course, isn’t the first time that Jay is being replaced. His first departure from “The Tonight Show” was in 2009, which saw Conan O’Brien taking over. But Conan left after only nine weeks on the show and Jay resumed his role.

In an interview, Jay said:

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. This time around, there really aren’t any complications there were the last time. This time it feels right.

Jay Leno, who will turn 64 come 2014, also mentioned that he expects to be back on the road, being a comedian again after leaving “The Tonight Show”. And we applaud him for making the choice.

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Now, bring on Jimmy Fallon!

(Source)