2015: The year of Trevor Noah

Johannesburg - In December 2014, Trevor Noah had a guest appearance on The Daily Show. Little did he know that a few months later, it would be announced that he would get the biggest gig of his career: taking over the reigns from Jon Stewart.

Speculation mounted about just who would take over from Jon when he announced his retirement, and South Africa rejoiced when it was confirmed that our guy had sealed the deal.

But it was a bumpy ride for Trevor, who was immediately criticised for previous tweets, which some called racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic.

To reduce my views to a handful of jokes that didn’t land is not a true reflection of my character, nor my evolution as a comedian.

— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) March 31, 2015

Despite the concern that Trevor was young and not American, he took the hot seat in September to much applause.

And a few weeks later, Comedy Central bosses cemented his star power, saying they were more than happy with the results. While his audience figures are down from that of his predecessor, Comedy Central says Trevor is attracting a more ‘millenial’ audience, with a younger generation tuning in.

It was also a year where Trevor’s personal life was scrutinised. After breaking up with his long-term South African girlfriend, Dani Gabriel, Trevor was soon spotted arm-in-arm with a singer and model, Jordyn Taylor.  At first, pictures that the two of them posted on social media placed them at the same time at the same place. Later, paparazzi shots of the two leaked, showing them walking hand-in-hand through the streets of New York.

Various magazine reports have also stated that Jordyn has met Trevor’s family, and the two have moved in together.

So, the biggest career move to date and a new love. We’d say Trevor owned 2015.