Date set for James Corden's Late Late Show debut as host

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James CordenImage source, Getty Images

We know him best as the beer loving, West Ham supporting painter and decorator Smithy from Gavin and Stacey.

But now James Corden is getting ready to try his hand at something completely different.

Come March 2015 he'll be in Los Angeles presenting (or hosting as they call it over there) an iconic US chat show.

The Late Late Show on American network CBS has been running since the mid-nineties, the man from London will be only its fourth regular presenter.

James Corden has done a bit of everything in his career so far. He's won a Tony Award for his role in the stage production of One Man, Two Guvnors. Written and performed his own sketch show, presented a comedy TV quiz and had bath with David Beckham for Sport Relief.

Next year (March 9th to be exact) he'll be able to add hosting a chat show on the other side of the Atlantic to the list as well.

He'd been in the running for some time to replace Scotland's Craig Ferguson who's leaving The Late Late Show after a 10 year stint as presenter.

Joining Smithy, sorry, James Corden on his American adventure will be his long-time friend and collaborator Ben Winston.

Image source, PA

Ben Winston is a producer, director and writer who has worked with his friend on a number of projects like the Brit Awards and One Direction's Best Song Ever video.

He currently works on the X-Factor and will take an executive producer role on the new series.

The Late Late Show, which goes on air at midnight every weeknight in America will have each new episode guest hosted until James Corden takes over next year.

Image source, Getty Images

Nina Tassler, chairman of CBS Entertainment, said: "We're excited to begin CBS's next chapter after midnight and introduce James' wide range of performance talents. and fearless creative instincts to American television viewers.

"He and Ben have been friends for a long time and partnered together on a variety of successful projects. They are a creatively dynamic and very energetic host/producer combination."

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