The most infamous one of all was Ellen DeGeneres, which ended after 19 seasons last year, while employees of 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' accused its producers - but not Clarkson herself - for mistreatment earlier this year.

Now the latest high-profile talk show host to have fallen foul of employees is Jimmy Fallon, after several former staff members contributed to a Rolling Stone report that made claims about Fallon - including that he was prone to 'lashing out' when under pressure, and that their mental health suffered while working on the show.

The show allegedly had a 'cry room' where staffers could go when they were upset, with one claiming that everyone walked on eggshells so as not to upset Fallon - who would darken the set with his bad mood. "Nobody told Jimmy, ‘No.’ Everybody walked on eggshells, especially showrunners," they said. "You never knew which Jimmy we were going to get and when he was going to throw a hissy fit. Look how many showrunners went so quickly. We know they didn’t last long."

They referred to the high turnover of showrunners - nine in total - on the show since Fallon took over from Jay Leno in 2014.

Now, Fallon - who has been in London in recent days for a livestream to announce The Rolling Stones' new album - has apologised to all current staff members on a Zoom call.

Variety reports that he told employees: "It’s embarrassing and I feel so bad. Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends. I feel so bad I can’t even tell you."

He added on the reportedly brief call: "I want this show to be fun, it should be inclusive for everybody, it should be funny, it should be the best show, the best people."

He has not commented publicly on the controversy.