David Letterman

David Letterman

David Letterman will retire next year.

The 66-year-old presenter will step down from his hosting duties on his programme 'The Late Show with David Letterman', which he has fronted for 20 years, in 2015.

The beloved host announced his news to the audience during the taping of the programme this afternoon (03.04.15), but it is believed CBS will release a statement prior to the show airing at 11.35pm EST today.

The news surfaced earlier today after the bassist for R.E.M. Mike Mills, who is appearing on the show this evening, took to Twitter to share the announcement.

He wrote: "Dave just announced his retirement #2015 #muchlovedave. (sic)".

David is the longest-serving late night talk show host in TV history after fronting NBC's 'Late Night' for 11 years, before taking on the 'Late Show' in 1993.

He extended his contract with CBS last year, which will see him stay on the 'Late Show' until the end of 2015.

David's news comes just over a month after his longtime rival Jay Leno, 63, announced his retirement from his programme 'The Tonight Show' in February.