Cape Town - South African comedian Trevor Noah has been shortlisted to take over anchor duties on popular US talk show, The Daily Show.
Influential US trade publication Variety reported that Noah, who has been a correspondent on the show presently hosted by Jon Stewart, is the frontrunner to replace Stewart when he leaves the show later this year.
Noah, 31, who is from Joburg, joined the show, which airs on the US Comedy Central network, late last year.
Variety, quoting a source, said there was no guarantee Noah would get the job, but he was considered a potential successor.
A Comedy Central spokesman declined to comment on whether Noah was under consideration.
If he does get the job, Noah could have a shot at becoming one of the more influential voices in late night talk shows, Variety said.
“Should Noah get the nod, the network would add a black comedian... as many TV networks recognise the need to appeal more directly to growing multicultural viewership.”
Sunday Argus