Ryan Seacrest has given a not so subtle hint about who might be performing at the forthcoming New Year's Eve event in New York City's Times Square just before the stroke of midnight.

He appeared as a guest on Jimmy Fallon's show last night (October 31) and confirmed that he has taken over hosting duties from the late Dick Clarke, who passed away in April, and has a special guest lined up to sing to the celebrating crowd:

"This one is gonna be emotional. This is the first time in 40 plus years that we'll be in Times Square without Dick Clark as he passed away. And he's such a hero of mine and was a dear friend. So it will be special, celebratory, reflective, but certainly emotional."

When asked who had signed up to perform, Seacrest replied cryptically but his clues were obviously pointing to country-pop sensation Taylor Swift:

"We haven't announced it yet, but wouldn't it be great if we could get, there's a female artist out there that's setting records in terms of what she's selling, recently. She loves the colour red. And if you're with her, you may never, ever, ever, be back together with her. And she loves a good break-up anthem."

Watch Swift's music video for 'Begin Again' below: