David Letterman's last Late Show - as it happened: Host leaves programme after 33 years

David Letterman was joined by his favourite band Foo Fighters

David Letterman speaks onstage at the First Annual Comedy Awards at Hammerstein Ballroom on March 26, 2011 in New York City. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

After 33 years and over 6,028 programmes, David Letterman is presenting his final episode of the Late Show tonight.

Here is what has been said in the build up to his last show:

• The Foo Fighters, Letterman's favourite band, are booked as his final musical guest
• Watch Letterman's risque interview with Madonna that became the most censored in US talk show history
• From Arcade Fire to James Brown - the best Late Show musical performances
• Letterman couldn't beat Jay Leno, or sometimes Jimmy Fallon

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Letterman announced his retirement last year, but has not yet revealed who he will interview.

Over the past few weeks he has slowly wrapped up his tenure by welcoming old friends onto the show, including Bill Murray – who was his first guest – Tom Hanks, and George Clooney. Stephen Colbert, who previously presented The Colbert Report, will take his place in September.