American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has been tapped to take over Dick Clark's annual New Year's Eve special after TV network bosses added his name to the time-honored show.

The TV and radio personality - who began hosting the show in 2005 after Clark suffered a stroke - will co-host the event for the fourth consecutive year when the clocks strike midnight at the end of this year. The show will now be called Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest. Clark, 78, is expected to continue with his hosting duties live from Times Square, and will share an executive producer credit with Seacrest.

In a statement issued on Thursday by ABC President Stephen McPherson, he says: "The name change of the program to Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest reflects the success of the co-hosting responsibilities of one of America's most time-honored traditions. Ryan has been a tremendous part of the show the last couple of years, and we're thrilled he'll be part of it for years to come."

Clark has been counting down the famous New Year ball drop since his program first aired in 1972.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)