CBS has officially announced that James Corden will replace Craig Ferguson as host of The Late Late Show.
Ferguson will end his run in December after 10 years, with Corden taking over sometime in 2015, though a premiere date and studio location will be announced later. The former is in talks to host a new talk show that would air on Tribune-owned stations.
“James Corden is a rare entertainment force who combines irresistible charm, warmth and originality with a diverse range of creative instincts and performance talent,” CBS Entertainment Chairman Nina Tassler said in a statement. “He is the ultimate multi-hyphenate — a writer, creator and performer who is loved and respected in every medium he touches, including theater, comedy, 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 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 #1 network is hugely exciting. I can’t wait to get started, and will do my very best to make a show America will enjoy.”
Ferguson reacted to the announcement on Twitter: “Congratulations to the spectacularly talented James Corden who will take over the LLS after me. Great choice. I heartily endorse & approve.”
James Corden is relatively unknown in America, though he is familiar to the world of Broadway, having starred in One Man, Two Guvnors, for which he won a Tony Award. He can currently be seen in the film Begin Again with Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, and he’s a part of the cast of Into the Woods, a movie based on the fantasy musical that comes out on Christmas Day. His other movie credits include How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, Gulliver’s Travels and The Three Musketeers.
In the UK, he hosted a sports-themed comedy game show A League of Their Own, and co-created, co-wrote and starred in the comedy series Gavin and Stacey. He also stars in, produces and write the comedy thriller The Wrong Mans, which is also available on Hulu. Doctor Who fans will know him for his recurring role as the Doctor’s roommate, Craig Owens.
He has been nominated for and won numerous awards over the years, including BAFTAs, the British Comedy Award, the National Television Award and the Royal Television Society Award, among others.
The Late Late Show airs weeknights at 12:35am on CBS.
(Image courtesy of WENN)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
Jeff Dodge, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena.
