James Corden announced as new host of CBS’ “The Late Late Show”

His name had been speculated about for a while, and today CBS officially announced that James Corden will be the new host of The Late Late Show in 2015, taking over for Craig Ferguson following his departure.

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“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, CBS Entertainment, in a release. “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.”

“I can’t describe how thrilled and honoured I am to be taking over from the brilliant Craig Ferguson,” said Corden, in the 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.”

The 36-year-old Englishman comes to American late-night TV as a Tony-winning performer on Broadway, a BAFTA-winning star of the UK comedy series Gavin and Stacey, an acclaimed host, writer and producer in several genres on television, and a feature-film actor (this year he’ll star with Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo in Begin Again, and with Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp and Emily Blunt in Into the Woods).

Craig Ferguson will depart The Late Late Show in December, after 10 years. No date set yet for James Corden’s first appearance in 2015.

UPDATE 10/23/14: CBS announced that The Late Late Show With James Corden will premiere March 9, 2015. Craig Ferguson will sign off from The Late Late Show Dec. 19 of this year.

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James Corden photo: WENN/©2014 WENN All Rights Reserved.