Corden to leave hosting gig
For more than 1,000 nights, James Corden has opened The Late Late Show as the band played and scenes of the Los Angeles skyline filled the screen from CBS'S studio.
Viewers will only see him in that role for one more year. On Thursday, Deadline first reported that the British comedian will be leaving the show by summer 2023. Hours later, Corden broke the news to his viewers.
“So, before we go to break, I've some news of my own to share with you,” Corden said. “Seven-and-ahalf years ago, I started hosting this show and there's no other way to put it — it has changed my life. I love it. I love all the people that work here. I am so proud of what we have achieved. It's been beyond my wildest, wildest dreams.”
The 43-year-old went on to say that he had extended his contract with the network as the audience cheered and clapped.
“But wait, hang on,” Corden joked. “Wait. I appreciate it. That's only really half the story on this one. The other half is, the sadder news is ... this will be my last year hosting.”
“Awwww,” the crowd replied in unison.
“Don't you dare!” Corden said, pointing toward the audience. The studio erupted in laughter.
Craig Ferguson hosted the show for 10 years before Corden took over in March 2015. Since then, Corden has thrown “the ultimate late night after party,” featuring a mix of celebrity guests, “edgy” musical performances, games and sketches, according to the show's website. Corden revamped the late-night show with segments such as Carpool Karaoke, Drop the Mic, Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts and Crosswalk the Musical.
In the Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts segment, Corden sits down with a celebrity and they take turns asking each other questions. The participants must choose between answering the questions truthfully or eating unusual items on the table, which have included cow blood, pork tongue jelly, bird saliva, ant yogurt and cow tongue. In the Crosswalk the Musical sketch, Corden dresses up as a character and performs a musical with celebrities in the middle of a busy intersection, surprising drivers.
Corden, who describes himself as the “chunky unit” and is said to be Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour's favourite comedian, reached new levels of stardom when he began his Carpool Karaoke videos. The roughly 15-minute-long clips show Corden driving around while celebrities in his car's passenger seat sing along to their own songs.