Christiane Amanpour is returning to CNN International early next year, where she will host a nightly global affairs program.

Amanpour left CNN in 2010 to host ABC's This Week. Her return to CNN had been speculated in recent months and weeks with reports first emerging from The New York Post in October this year.

It's reported that Amanpour will still remain at ABC News and split her time between the American broadcast network and CNN International.

CNN statement on Amanpour's return:

Christiane Amanpour will return to CNN with a nightly news broadcast on CNN International, the network announced Tuesday.

Amanpour, who left CNN in 2010 to become host of ABC's "This Week," will remain a global affairs anchor for ABC News as part of a "unique arrangement," CNN Worldwide President Jim Walton said.

"Christiane Amanpour has been synonymous with international reporting and with CNN for many years," Walton said. "We could not be happier that through this unique arrangement with ABC News her experience and global perspective are returning to a nightly news broadcast for our international audience."

Amanpour said in a statement that she is excited about the opportunity.

"This role is groundbreaking, bold and very different! I am thrilled and honored," she said.

A note from CNN Worldwide President Jim Walton to Staff:

December 13 2011
Jim Walton's Note to Staff:

This afternoon we announced that Christiane Amanpour is returning to CNN to host an evening newscast on CNN International beginning in 2012. In a unique arrangement with ABC News, Christiane will continue to report for their news programs, as well. We could not be happier than to welcome back to the CNN organization the leading international journalist working in television news, who also happens to be our longtime colleague and friend. I wanted to share the news with you as it is breaking.