HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — It's official: Piers Morgan is taking over for Larry King.

CNN announced the news Wednesday, saying Morgan will begin his "candid, in-depth newsmaker interview program" in January.

"I have watched Larry King Live for much of the last 25 years, and dreamed of one day filling the legendary suspenders of the man I consider to be the greatest TV interviewer of them all," he said.

Morgan has been rumored for the position ever since June when King announced he was ending Larry King Live after 25 years. His television background includes Piers Morgan's Life Stories, which launched last year in his native U.K.

The 45-year-old is also well known in the U.S. for his judging gig on America's Got Talent and his victory on The Celebrity Apprentice.

"Piers has made his name posing tough questions to public figures, holding them accountable for their words and deeds," said CNN-US President Jon Klein. "He is able to look at all aspects of the news with style and humor with an occasional good laugh in the process."