Craig Ferguson has hosted his last edition of The Late Late Show after a run of ten years.
The Scots-born comedian insisted that he was not retiring, saying: “I’m not stopping doing it, I’m stopping doing this.”
Craig Ferguson’s role will be filled by James Corden, 36, from March 23.
His final guest was Jay Leno, who bowed out of hosting The Tonight Show earlier this year.
Craig Ferguson and Jay Leno spoke about the pitfalls of presenting chat shows, while Leno said that it was “fun being a comedian again instead of a talk show host”.
The 52-year-old presenter, who fronted the late night show on CBS for 2,058 episodes, is expected to present a new early evening program.
However, Craig Ferguson remained tight-lipped about the precise nature of his future plans during his final appearance.
James Corden, known for presenting the Brit Awards and starring in sitcom Gavin and Stacey, was confirmed as the new Late Late Show presenter in September and made an appearance on the program on December 17.
The actor said he was “hugely excited” to host the program and would do his best “to make a show that America will enjoy”.
James Corden’s profile in the US was boosted in 2012 when he won a Tony for his role in the Broadway transfer of stage hit One Man, Two Guvnors.
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Gavin and Stacey star James Corden has been confirmed as Craig Ferguson’s successor as host of CBS’ The Late Late Show.
“I can’t wait to get started,” said James Corden.
The British comedian said he was “thrilled and honored” to follow the “brilliant” Craig Ferguson and that it was “hugely exciting… to host such a prestigious show”.
James Corden, 36, will take over next year from Ferguson, who has been hosting the late-night talk show since 2005 and is stepping down in December.
James Corden has been confirmed as Craig Ferguson’s successor as host of CBS’ The Late Late Show
His appointment was widely rumored last month but has only now been confirmed by the CBS network.
James Corden’s previous hosting experience includes four stints at the Brit Awards and his presenting role on the Sky panel show A League Of Their Own.
He was recently seen alongside Keira Knightley in the musical romance Begin Again and has a role in big-screen musical Into the Woods, out at Christmas.
In a statement, James Corden said he would do his best “to make a show America will enjoy”.
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James Corden is to become the presenter of The Late Late Show, according to reports.
The actor and presenter is being lined up as the replacement for Scottish-born host Craig Ferguson and will be officially announced shortly, The Wrap reported.
James Corden is to become the presenter of The Late Late Show (photo Getty Images)
The Gavin and Stacey star’s previous hosting duties have included four stints at the Brit Awards.
James Corden, 35, is set to star alongside Meryl Streep in the Disney film, which opens in the US on Christmas Day and will go towards making him well known on the other side of the Atlantic.
His strong social media presence, which includes 4.3 million Twitter followers, is also seen a factor working in his favour.
James Corden has already had success on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for One Man, Two Guv’nors – a role he originated on the London stage.
Craig Ferguson announced in April this year that he would step down from his role in December.
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