James Corden Is Coming To The U.S. To Take Over "The Late Late Show"

    The British actor and comedian will be succeeding Craig Ferguson in 2015.

    Scott Bryan
    by Scott Bryan

    BuzzFeed Entertainment Editor, UK

    Meet the new host of The Late Late Show.

    Getty Images / Larry Busacca

    This is James Corden. He's famous in the UK for a quite a few things: playing Smithy in the cult BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey (which he also co-wrote), starring as Phil Bourne in the popular sitcom The Wrong Mans, and appearing in a couple of episodes of Doctor Who as Craig during the Matt Smith era.

    Rumours that Corden had landed the Late Late Show gig began after The Wrap reported it last month.

    In CBS's official announcement, Corden said: "I can’t describe how thrilled and honoured I am to be taking over from the brilliant Craig Ferguson. To be asked to host such a prestigious show on America’s number-one network is hugely exciting. I can’t wait to get started, and will do my very best to make a show America will enjoy.”

    Nina Tassler, the chairman of CBS Entertainment, offered the following statement about the network's decision: "James Corden is a rare entertainment force who combines irresistible charm, warmth, and originality with a diverse range of creative instincts and performance talent. He is the ultimate multi-hyphenate – a writer, creator, and performer who is loved and respected in every medium he touches, including theater, comedy, music, film, and television.

    "James is already a big star in the UK and he's wowed American audiences on Broadway; we're very excited to introduce his considerable and very unique talents to our network television audience on a daily basis."

    Corden got his big break playing Timms in Alan Bennett's stage-play and film The History Boys.

    The History Boys / Fox Searchlight Pictures / BBC Two Films

    More recently, he's presented British TV programmes such as the sport panel game A League of Their Own.

    youtube.com / A League Of Their Own

    Yes, that is him kissing Harry Styles there.

    And he's an interviewer. He interviewed Gary Barlow for a primetime BBC documentary earlier this year.

    BBC / When Corden Met Barlow

    However, he's also known for some unfortunate incidents, such as when he interrupted Adele's acceptance speech at The BRIT Awards in 2012. She reacted like this.

    Yui Mok/PA Archive/Press Association Images

    Just so you know the context: Corden was under pressure to introduce a special performance by Blur as the music award show was overrunning, so was forced to interrupt her. He regretted the incident and told BBC Radio 5, “I was so upset last night, and I can understand why Adele was…"

    His three-year stint as host of the BRITs was also criticised for being rather cringey, such as when he did this selfie with Prince on stage.

    ITV / The Brit Awards

    This was the result.

    Twitter: @JKCorden

    So British reaction to his new US talk show has been understandably mixed.

    Alex Hern @alexhern

    Americans expressing bafflement over who James Corden is: weep for your life as it was, for you shall not see its like again

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    #VerifyFlocks @agoverningfrost

    Sorry, but why choose James Corden? I got nothing against him, I'm just curious.

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    At least Ferguson approves.

    Craig Ferguson @CraigyFerg

    Congratulations to the spectacularly talented James Corden who will take over the LLS after me. Great choice. I heartily endorse & approve.

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    Jkcorden @JKCorden

    @CraigyFerg Thank you so much Craig. That's truly made my day. You are a true gent and a tough act to follow! X

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