Stephen Colbert is officially signed on to replace David Letterman when the latter signs off from The Late Show in 2015.

CBS made the announcement Thursday that the Emmy-winning host of The Colbert Report will replace Letterman in 2015, having signed a five-year agreement. The announcement was made by CBS president Leslie Moonves and Nina Tassler, president of CBS entertainment. Letterman has yet to officially determine the exact date of when he will retire, though his announcement on April 3 suggested that he was getting ready to leave relatively soon.

Colbert plays a Republican character on The Colbert Report, very rarely breaking from that character during the show. It is not known if he will continue with this character into The Late Show.

"Simply being a guest on David Letterman's show has been a highlight of my career," said Colbert in the announcement. "I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave's lead."  

The comedian added, "I'm thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth."   

Colbert's colleague Jon Stewart recently spoke about how great the former would be taking over for Letterman.

"He is a uniquely talented individual," Stewart told Vulture on Wednesday. "He's wonderful in 'Colbert Report,' but he's got gears he hasn't even shown people yet. He would be remarkable.

"He's got some skill sets that are really applicable, interviewing-wise, but also he's a really, really good actor and also an excellent improvisational comedian," Stewart continued, praising his good friend.

It is currently uncertain on when The Colbert Report will officially end.

Tags: Stephen Colbert Late Show