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Late Show’s Letterman to retire

Veteran talkshow host David Letterman is to retire in 2015 after more than 20 years with US network CBS.

The Late Show presenter made the announcement during a taping of his programme at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City yesterday.

Letterman is the longest-running late-night talkshow host in US television history, with 32 years on air since he debuted Late Night With David Letterman in 1982 on NBC, before moving to CBS in 1993.

He began his TV career in 1978 on CBS’s Mary, a variety series starring Mary Tyler Moore.

The news of the 66-year-old’s retirement comes after Jimmy Fallon replaced Jay Leno as host of The Tonight Show on NBC in February. Seth Meyers took Fallon’s place as host of Late Night.

“For 21 years, David Letterman has graced our network’s air in late-night with wit, gravitas and brilliance unique in the history of our medium,” CBS chairman Leslie Moonves said in a statement:

“During that time, Dave has given television audiences thousands of hours of comedic entertainment, the sharpest interviews in late-night and brilliant moments of candor and perspective around national events. He’s also managed to keep many celebrities, politicians and executives on their toes – including me.”

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