David Letterman plans to retire from the Late Show next year

Los Angeles - David Letterman is to leave the Late Show next May.

The 67-year-old star will host his final episode of the CBS chat show on 20 May 2015, which will be 21 years after he first presented the programme.

Leslie Moonves, President and CEO of the CBS Corporation, said: "David Letterman has given to all of us a remarkable legacy of achievement and creative brilliance that will never be forgotten. It's going to be tough to say goodbye, but I know we will all cherish the shows leading up to Dave's final broadcast in May."

Letterman announced in April that he was retiring from the programme and Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report will be taking over as the host of the Late Show.

During his tenure, the show won nine Emmy Awards and was nominated for 73 prizes.

When Letterman made his decision to turn off his mic he said: "It's been great, you've been great, and the network has been great, but I'm retiring."



In 2013, Letterman overtook his friend and mentor Johnny Carson as the longest-serving late-night talk show host in TV history with a career spanning 31 years.