Jon Stewart has announced he is stepping down as host of The Daily Show later this year. The comedian has helmed the satirical news show since 1999 and told his audience it had "been an absolute privilege" to have worked on the Comedy Central staple.

Jon StewartJon Stewart [R] on the set on his debut directorial feature, Rosewater

"This show doesn't deserve an even slightly restless host and neither do you," Stewart told his audience on Tuesday.

Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless paid tribute, saying: "His comedic brilliance is second to none."

"I'm going to miss being on television every day," Stewart added. "I'm going to miss coming here every day. I love the people here. They're creative and collaborative and kind."

"It's been the honour of my professional life, and I thank you for watching it, for hate-watching it, whatever reason you are tuning in for."

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His targets have often been politicians and public figures, ridiculed or teased for their various discrepancies, though the show has also launched the career of numerous well-known comics including John Oliver, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell.

Stewart said he wasn't exactly sure when he would leave or what he would do next, though the comedian recently took time out to direct his debut feature film Rosewater - about an Iranian-born journalist who was imprisoned and accused of spying - and it is likely he may continue his foray into movies.

"I don't have any specific plans," he said. "Got a lot of ideas, got a lot of things in my head. I'm going to have dinner on a school night with my family, who I have heard from multiple sources are lovely people." 

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