Jimmy Fallon Rumored to Take Leno's Spot In 2014, But Veteran Host Not Going Without a Fight

Speculation is circulating about the possibility of late night star Jimmy Fallon taking Jay Leno’s place on the “Tonight show”.

NBC has aggressively denied the move, but sources say the move will most likely take place, according to The New York Daily News. If the move was to happen, it would take place in 2014, after Leno’s contract is up.

A Fallon move from “Late Night with Jimmy” to the "Tonight Show," would bring the show back to New York. The show began in New York, when it was hosted by Steve Allen in 1954. It did not move to Los Angeles until 1972, when Johnny Carson was host. According to the Daily News, Carson believed being in Hollywood would get him closer to stars. Being closer to stars would make it easier to do interviews.

NBC officials also admitted that work on a new studio for Fallon is underway. According to the New York Times, work has also started on a studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

Fallon has been a prospect to take over the "Tonight Show" for a while. It's believed that the possible move became more public—and more possible—after ABC Late Night Star Jimmy Kimmel’s time slot moved to approximately the same time as both the "Tonight Show" and the “Late Show with David Letterman.”

Despite all of the speculation, Leno is not going without a fight, according to CNN.

Leno poked fun at NBC’s prime time ratings, which have been declining lately, on Wednesday.

"Scientists say they're getting closer and closer to being able to do 'Jurassic Park'-style cloning on extinct species -- things once thought to be extinct could now be brought back from the dead," said Leno "So, there's hope for NBC. It could turn around."

Even though rumors continue to circulate, the Daily News said the late show is still “on top since Leno took over in 1992.” This will only help with negotiations next year.