Craig Ferguson announced that he’s stepping down from The Late Late Show back in April, and CBS has been scrambling to find a replacement for the cultishly beloved Scottish comic ever since.
Well, it now seems that execs have decided to keep the show’s UK vibe going, as they’ve chosen British actor and stand-up James Corden as Ferguson’s replacement.
Though certainly not a household name in the States, Corden’s been a longtime favorite overseas as the star and co-creator of the award-winning BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacy.
If Americans recognize Corden at all, it’s likely as a result of his two-episode arc on Doctor Who.
So why such an oddball choice for such a sought-after gig? CBS has thus far declined to comment on the selection, which could mean that Corden doesn’t officially have the job yet.
Reliable insiders, however, say that Corden’s Late Late takeover is a done deal, and execs were drawn to the 35-year-old Brit because they believe he’s on the verge of hitting it bg in the US.
Corden is one of the main stars in Disney’s highly-anticipated Into the Woods, which is set for release in December – right around the time Ferguson plans to step down.