The talk show host has been unveiled as presenter of the prestigious ceremony, which honours the best in television and takes place on September 23.

Referring to actor Eddie Murphy - who pulled out of hosting this year's Academy Awards - Jimmy said: "I hope to be able to do for the Emmys this year what Eddie Murphy did for the Oscars."

The telecast of the prestigious ceremony will be executive produced by Don Mischer for the 12th time.

The director and producer is "thrilled" to be working on the awards show again.

He said in a statement: "We love television and look forward to working with the television academy and ABC in creating a show that is fast-paced, humorous, unpredictable, and at times irreverent, but clearly celebratory of our incredible industry."

Jimmy has previously hosted the American Music Awards and the ESPY Awards and is set to host the White House Correspondents' dinner next month.

The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards will take place at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre.