HEEEEERE'S JOHNNY, BACK FOR A 30TH YEAR

Johnny Carson has signed up for his 30th year as host of NBC's "Tonight" show in a one-year contract that goes into effect when his current contract expires at the end of September, it was announced Monday.

Brandon Tartikoff, chairman, NBC Entertainment Group, made the announcement and revealed that Carson, 65, had expressed a desire to step down from the late-night show before the end of 1991.Comedian Jay Leno, exclusive guest host of "The Tonight Show," had been rumored to be taking over for Carson because the network wanted a host who would appeal to a younger audience, but Tartikoff has always denied this.

Tartikoff said Monday that getting Carson back was a top priority.