Jimmy Kimmel popped the question to his long-term girlfriend while on holiday in South Africa.

According to his representative, the 44-year-old talk show host proposed while on holiday at the Kruger National Park after dating Molly McNearney for almost three years.

He tweeted after the announcement was made: "thanks for your kind congratulations, my nuptials are impending as we speak. say a prayer for @mollymcnearney - she has a rough road ahead."

Kimmell and 34-year-old McNearney – who is a co-head writer on her partner's show Jimmy Kimmel Live – began dating in October 2009, a few months after he split from comic Sarah Silverman after a five-year romance.

Kimmell has two children – Katie (21) and Kevin (19) – with his first wife, who he married in June 1988 and split from 14 years later.

The marriage will be Molly's first.