Jon Stewart has announced he's leaving the Daily Show.

During the taping of Tuesday's episode, he said it's been an incredible opportunity to pilot the wonderful franchise, but in his heart, he knows it's time for someone else to do it.

His bosses at Comedy Central say he'll depart the nightly satirical TV show later this year.

They've paid tribute to his 'comic genius'.

There's no news about who'll replace him.

He's been hosting the satirical news programme since 1999.

The announcement drew gasps from the Daily Show audience, as well as applause.