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Good news for Mad Men fans waiting for the next season: Jon Hamm is to step behind the camera to direct the season five premiere.

Hamm confirmed his directing gig to TV Line, saying: “The wheels have officially been set in motion to make that happen. It’s a very exciting challenge that I’m looking forward to with a mixture of utter fear and excitement.”

Hamm, who plays advertising executive Don Draper in the hit AMC series, is to follow in the footsteps of his co-star John Slattery, who has already filled the role of director on two episodes during season four.

Talking about his co-star, Hamm added: “I watched Slattery do it, and he handled it with such grace and ability and ease. I figured if he can do it, I can do it too.”

This will be Hamm’s first time directing. He has recently expanded his acting repertoire with larger roles in some major Hollywood films, such as Ben Affleck’s critically acclaimed The Town and Zack Snyder’s Sucker Punch.

Although Mad Men traditionally begins airing a new season in late summer, production has been delayed due to some behind-the-scenes negotiations between cable network AMC and producers Lionsgate Television.

The fifth season will not begin production until August 2011, and it is scheduled to air in early 2012.