James Corden To Return To UK After 'The Late Late Show' Wraps
By Afouda Bamidele on June 13, 2022 at 8:30 PM EDT
It is going to be the end of an era for show host James Corden as his late night talk show, "The Late Late Show with James Corden," is coming to an end next year.
However, much more than fans saying goodbye to the beloved comedian, he is reportedly set to return to the United Kingdom for a fresh start.
'The Late Late Show' Is Coming To An End Next Year
In April, The Blast reported that Corden made a shocking announcement during an episode of "The Late Late Show" that he was leaving once his contract ends in 2023.
"It’s been it’s a really hard decision to leave because I’m so immensely proud of the show. I’m thrilled to be extending [for a year]. I always thought I’d do it for five years and then leave."
Corden extended his contract for only one more year after giving so much thought to how long he wanted to spend with CBS. The "Cats" star began serving as host of "The Late Late Show" in late 2014, taking over from Craig Ferguson.
Before his 2015 debut, the Hillingdon native was famous for starring in the BBC sitcom "Gavin & Stacey." Becoming the host of the late-night variety talk show was Corden's introduction to the American audience.
Since taking over, Corden has won the hearts of many to become of the most beloved talk show hosts.
Not only that, he changed the dynamic of the show, introducing several viral captivating segments such as "Drop The Mic," "Spill Your Guts," "Crosswalk Musical," and the unforgettable "Carpool Karaoke."
The "Carpool Karaoke" segment was insanely famous among viewers, with Adele's record-breaking episode raking in over 240 million views. Hence it came as no shock when the CBS team wanted to extend Corden's contract for another three years.
Unfortunately, the 43-year-old only agreed to stay for just one year. With Corden's tenure coming to an end in 2023, he would have spent a total of eight and a half years as the host of "The Late Late Show."
What's Next For Corden After His Exit?
At the time of his announcement, Corden explained he was unsure of what the next chapter of his life would look like.
“There’s still some other things that I feel I want to do. I’d like to try and write. There’s some [stories] I’d like to tell. I’d like to see if I’m capable of it," he confessed.
However, according to his good friend and Fulwell 73 co-founder Ben Turner, whatever Corden plans to do next might not take place on American soil.
While chatting with Variety Magazine, Turner explained that "The Late Late Show" was one of Corden's major commitments.
"[Corden] has just got so many strings to his bow, and ‘Late’ is a big commitment that’s taken up so much of his time,” said Turner. “We’re just really excited about having him back in the U.K., and all the stuff that that entails, but it is a big moment for us."
As for whether their production company, Fulwell 73, would continue collaborating with CBS in the event of Corden's absence, Turner said that conversations were still ongoing between both parties.
Nevertheless, he assured that fans would get more news about the company’s plan soon.
A New Dynamic To The Talk Show
Although fans will be sad to say goodbye to Corden, it won't be the end of "The Late Late Show," which has been on air since January 1995.
For the seasons after Corden's departure, CBS is reportedly looking to switch things up and replace Corden's single-man hosting style with a multi-host panel.
Details of the adjustment remain largely unknown, but the proposed panel format will encompass several segments similar to Bill Maher's "Politically Incorrect," Chelsea Handler's "Chelsea Lately," and the game show, @midnight."
There might also be subtle changes like the presence or absence of live bands and other trappings. Nothing is at all set in stone for the post-Corden era of the late night talk show.