Coronavirus: US talk show hosts to perform to empty rooms as pandemic spreads

From next week, all of the major talk shows will be forced to abandon the classic format

Several US late night talk shows will no longer be filmed in front of live studio audiences, as a precaution against the coronavirus pandemic.

From Monday 16 March, programmes including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Daily Show with Trevor Noah will close their doors to audiences.

The shows will continue to produce new episodes. It is not clear whether the hosts will perform to silence or canned laughter

NBC said in a statement: "The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority. As a precautionary measure, starting Monday, March 16, we have decided to suspend live audiences for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers.

"Per guidance from New York City officials, the company is hoping to do its part to help to decrease the rate of transmission in our communities."

CBS and Comedy Central have also released their own statements, citing similar concerns.

The coronavirus has been officially classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.