James Corden will be the new host of The Late Late Show on CBS after Craig Ferguson departs later this year, the network announced today.
“I can’t describe how thrilled and honored I am to be taking over from the brilliant Craig Ferguson,” Corden said in a press release. “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.”
“James Corden is a rare entertainment force who combines irresistible charm, warmth and originality with a diverse range of creative instincts and performance talent,” said Nina Tassler, chairman of CBS Entertainment, 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, 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.”
The exact time frame for Corden’s start as Late Late Show host was not revealed, but CBS says it will be sometime in 2015. The network notes that Corden, who hails from England, is a multi-talented entertainer.
Ferguson decided to step down from The Late Late Show after CBS announced that he would not be David Letterman’s Late Show replacement. Letterman will instead be succeeded by Stephen Colbert, who begins his run as host next year.
If you’re going to miss Ferguson, you’ll be happy to hear that he’s already planning his next talk show.
News of Corden’s hiring first arrived in early August.