It’s Official: James Corden Will Take Over ‘The Late Late Show’ After Craig Ferguson

After weeks of speculation over who would take over after Craig Ferguson left The Late Late Show, CBS has made it official; British TV personality and comedian James Corden is getting the job.

As early as August 5, according to this Inquisitr report, rumors were flying that Corden would get the job, but CBS was mum about a replacement. According to Yahoo News, CBS issued a statement earlier today confirming the rumors that Corden is their man.

“James Corden is a rare entertainment force who combines irresistible charm, warmth and originality with a diverse range of creative instincts and performance talent. 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 Corden himself also issued his own statement, shared via MSN.

“I can’t describe how thrilled and honored 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.”

James Corden is just the latest in a long list of late-night TV shakeups that have taken place in the past few months. The biggest late-night TV news of the year so far has, of course, been Jimmy Fallon taking over The Tonight Show from Jay Leno. With Jimmy’s old job at Late Night empty, Saturday Night Live‘s Seth Meyers took over the show, re-branding it Late Night With Seth Meyers. Meanwhile, over at CBS, Craig Ferguson announced his departure after hosting The Late Late Show for over a decade, and Stephen Colbert will take over for David Letterman over at The Late Show in 2015.

Corden will face stiff competition in the 12:37 A.M. (Eastern) time slot. According to TV By The Numbers, NBC’s one-two punch of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers has been dominating the late-night ratings for months, with no sign of letting up.

Still, James Corden brings an arsenal of talents and experience to The Late Late Show. He can sing, rap, act, lip-sync, and leave the audience in stitches. Even his competition, Seth Meyers, has described him as “a wildly talented person,” according to The Wrap.

Does James Corden being named the new host of The Late Late Show make you want to watch it (or stop watching it)? Let us know what you think below.

[Image courtesy of vulture.com]