TV host David Letterman sensationally confessed on Thursday night's The Late Show to being a victim of an extortion attempt over his affairs with members of staff

The talkshow veteran revealed to his studio audience that he had been targeted by an unknown individual who had details of his intimate relations with female employees.

The blackmailer demanded $2 million (£1.3 million) to keep the information out of the public domain, he alleged.

Letterman claims he contacted officials at the Special Prosecution Bureau of the Manhattan District Attorney's office, who went as far as to issue a false cheque to the blackmailer.

The star was then asked to provide a testimony for the city's grand jury, in which he confirmed he had had sexual encounters with several members of his team.

Letterman told viewers: "This morning, I did something I've never done in my life. I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury.

"Yes I have (had sex with employees). Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would. I feel like I need to protect these people - I need to certainly protect my family."

Letterman married longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko in March this year. It is not known when the flings occurred.

A suspect was arrested on Thursday in connection with the extortion plot.

Watch his TV confession below