Man named in Letterman extortion plot

New York City police have reportedly named Robert Halderman as the man behind the extortion plot involving David Letterman.

The chatshow host admitted to viewers on last night's broadcast of his programme that he had sexual relationships with female members of his staff. He also revealed that an individual attempted to blackmail him for $2m (£1.25m) over the affairs.

CBS earlier confirmed that a 48 Hours employee had been suspended from his job and that he was charged with attempted grand larceny.

Halderman, 51, is an Emmy-winning producer who directed segments that ranged from the Winter Olympics to the terrorist attacks on 9/11. He also worked on CBS News, the New York Daily News reports.

The network said in a statement that it is "aware" of the police investigation involving Letterman and Halderman, adding: "Mr Letterman addressed the issue during the show's broadcast this evening, and we believe his comments speak for themselves."