CBS has confirmed James Corden will succeed Craig Ferguson as the host of "The Late Late Show." He will follow the new "Late Show" host Stephen Colbert and face off against NBC's "Late Night with Seth Meyers" in the 12:35 timeslot, starting next year.
"I can't describe how thrilled and honored I am to be taking over from the brilliant Craig Ferguson," Corden said in a statement. "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 told his studio audience on April 28 that he wouldn't return to his late-night gig when his contract expires in December. His announcement came after David Letterman's on April 3, stating that he would be retiring from "The Late Show" in 2015. CBS named Colbert his successor a week later.
CBS will determine and announce the show's location and producers at a later date.
"James Corden is a rare entertainment force who combines irresistible charm, warmth and originality with a diverse range of creative instincts and performance talent," Nina Tassler, Chairman of CBS Entertainment, 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, music, film and television."
The actor/comedian is currently starring in the indie flick "Begin Again" with Keira Knightly and Mark Ruffalo, and will appear in Disney's "Into The Woods" opposite Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp and Emily Blunt on Christmas Eve. He has no late-night hosting experience, but he did host Sky1's sports-based comedy panel series "A League Of Their Own."
