Who is replacing Jon Stewart?

Funnyman ... Trevor Noah (pictured) will replace Jon Stewart as host of the Daily Show. Source: Supplied

SOUTH African comedian Trevor Noah has been named the new host of The Daily Show.

Noah, 31, will take over when current host Jon Stewart steps down after 12 years at the helm of the US satirical news program, the New York Times reports.

"You don't believe it for the first few hours," Noah told the newspaper from Dubai, describing receiving the news.

South African comedian Trevor Noah who is visiting for Just For Laughs Source: Supplied

"You need a stiff drink, and then unfortunately you're in a place where you can't really get alcohol."

Noah is a relative newcomer on the show, having appeared in only three segments since joining in December 2014. He beat out a list of possible replacements rumoured to have included Jason Jones, Samantha Bee, Tina Fey and Jessica Williams, according to various reports.

End of an era ... Jon Stewart is leaving the show after 12 years in the chair. Source: Supplied

"I'm thrilled for the show and for Trevor," Stewart said in a statement to the Times. "He's a tremendous comic and talent that we've loved working with."

He added that he "may rejoin as a correspondent just to be a part of it!!!"

Stewart, who announced his retirement in February, will leave The Daily Show sometime between July and the end of the year, Variety reports.