'Tonight Show' Switch Confirmed: Jimmy Fallon Will Replace Jay Leno

We'd heard it was only a matter of time, now it's official: NBC has confirmed Jimmy Fallon will replace Jay Leno as host of "The Tonight Show."  

After the customary period of denying any such knowledge, NBC at long last announced Wednesday the network would transition Fallon from his regular gig at "Late Night" to take over hosting duties for Leno. 

"Jimmy Fallon is a unique talent and this is his time," said NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke. "I'm thrilled he will become the sixth host of  'The Tonight Show.'"

Fallon will start hosting "The Tonight Show" starting in spring 2014. NBC has not elaborated on its decision to replace Leno with Fallon.

"Congratulations, Jimmy. I hope you're as lucky as me and hold on to the job until you're an old guy," said 62-year-old Leno. "If you need me, I'll be at the garage."

When Fallon takes the reins from Leno in 2014, he won't have to commute much further to work everyday. NBC is moving "The Tonight Show" back to its birthplace at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City from its current location in Los Angeles.

"I'm really excited to host a show that starts today instead of tomorrow," said Fallon.

A report from The New York Times tin March claimed two execs said the network had already begun constructing the new studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza for when Fallon takes over.

Fallon's confirmation as new host of "The Tonight Show" arrives as rumors swirl about a bitter feud raging between the current "Tonight Show" host and top NBC execs. The New York Times reportedly spoke to "three executives close to the situation" who claim that NBC entertainment chief Robert Greenblatt was none too happy with Leno after he mocked the network's slide into the fifth overall network behind Univision in February. 

Greenblat was apparently so incensed over the lighthearted ratings jabs that he started feuding with Leno in a series of "pointed" e-mails. According to the Times, "One of the executives who saw the exchange said that Mr. Leno was taken by surprise by Mr. Greenblatt's comments and strongly defended himself, citing the fact that late-night stars poking fun 'at their masters,' as the executive said, is in the long tradition of late-night comedy."

Leno's representative has of course refused to comment on the alleged exchange. 

The bitter emails were apparently sent prior to news of NBC pressuring Leno into retirement, a report which NBC is still denying.