BBC Radio 1 has tonight (December 10) confirmed that rap heavyweight Eminem has been named as the first headliner for the Reading and Leeds Festival next year.

A tweet sent from the show's official page explained that he will take the stage at both outdoor venues in August 2013 for a special late-night set:

"Tonight we can officially reveal the first headliner of @OfficialRandL for 2013 will be @Eminem! Who's ready for it?!"

Back in October, new merchandise released by the 'Not Afraid' hitmaker hinted at a potential new album release in 2013 and the baseball caps' year-specific detail set fans' tongues wagging.

Only a handful of other acts have been named for Reading and Leeds 2013 so far, but they include Deftones, Skepta and Sub Focus.

Watch Eminem's recently shared music video for 'My Life', which also features Adam Levine, below: