The shock announcement that Anthony Anderson will be stepping in to host the 75th annual Emmy Awards promises the event to not be one to miss. The 53-year-old actor, comedian, and gameshow host is gearing up to present the three-hour ceremony, set to air live on FOX, on January 15. The iconic industry awards were originally planned to take place in September but had to be postponed because of the Hollywood strikes.

In his official statement after being appointed to present the biggest night in television, the Kangaroo Jack actor said: “With our industry’s recent challenges behind us, we can get back to what we love — dressing up and honoring ourselves.”

He continued: “There’s no better celebratory moment to bring the creative community together than the milestone 75th Emmy Awards.”

The comedian went on to joke that he was second choice to Taylor Swift. “When FOX asked me to host this historic telecast, I was over the moon that Taylor Swift was unavailable, and now I can’t wait to be part of the biggest night in television,” he said.

Anthony is no stranger to the Emmys, having earned seven consecutive nominations for lead actor in a comedy series for his portrayal of hilarious family patriarch Dre Johnson. While he is best- known for his role on the hit sitcoms Blackish, viewers may also recognize the star from Law & Order, K-Ville, and The Shield, as well as films Kangaroo Jack and Hustle & Flow.

The actor has also revealed that his mother, Doris Bowman, will join him on stage throughout the night. Speaking to People he said: “I can’t host the Emmys without having Mama Doris on the stage with me, so we’re finding some smart ways to incorporate her into the show.”

However, the decision to appoint the gameshow host to present one of the most popular nights in Hollywood has caused some controversy, with his casting already receiving significant backlash. Anthony has been the subject of several sexual abuse scandals over the years but has never been convicted of any crime.

In other news – 22 gold miners killed in Tanzania mine collapse

Twenty-two people have died following a landslide at an illegal mine in northern Tanzania, officials said. The incident occurred at Ng’alita mine in Bariadi district, Simiyu region on Saturday, district commissioner Simon Simalenga said.

It occurred after a group of people started mining in an area where activity was restricted due to heavy rains, he told Reuters news agency. President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her “great sadness” at the news. Read More