NEW YORK - It may feel like looking into the mirror for Bill O'Reilly and Stephen Colbert.

The Fox News Channel host and Colbert, who has essentially based his comic character every evening on CTV on him, will trade appearances on each other's programs Jan. 18.

"I'm really looking forward to speaking to a man who owes his entire career to me,'' O'Reilly said.

On The Colbert Report, Colbert portrays a self-involved talk-show host who has tried to bring "truthiness'' to the world. His character owes an obvious debt to O'Reilly, who holds court in the "no-spin zone'' each evening.

On The O'Reilly Factor, O'Reilly portrays a ... um, he hosts the top-rated program in cable news.

"I look forward to the evening,'' Colbert said. "It is an honour to speak face-to-face with a broadcasting legend, and I feel the same way about Mr. O'Reilly.''

The Colbert Report airs in Canada on the Comedy Network and CTV (check local listings for times).