British comedian and actor James Corden has announced he will be leaving The Late Late Show next year.

The US talk show host made the announcement during a recording of the CBS network’s show in Los Angeles. Corden will have hosted “The Late Late Show” for eight and a half years by the time he leaves. An achievement that can’t be looked down upon.

“When I started this journey, it was always going to be just that. It was going to be a journey, an adventure. I never saw it as my final destination,” he said. “I never want this show to overstay it’s welcome in any way.”

Corden also added that next year is the right time for him to move on, and he will have to see what the future holds for him.

It has been the hardest decision he has had to make, and the show has changed his life.

“I am so proud of what we’ve achieved, it’s been beyond my wildest, wildest dreams,” said Corden. He added that the coming year’s show would be “the best year we have ever had… we are gonna go out with a bang”.

Corden signed a contract to host “The Late Late Show”, where he replaced comedian and actor Craig Ferguson in 2015, who was a host for nine years.

He brought new life to the CBS show and gave it a much-needed spark. Corden did this with the introduction of viral segments such as Carpool Karaoke, Drop the Mic, Spill Your Guts, and Crosswalk Musical.

In fact, Corden’s Carpool Karaoke with Adele has been watched more than 250M times on YouTube. And his journey with One Direction has racked up 189M views.

Not only that, “The Late Show’s” Youtube page has also done great things. It has reached nearly 10 billion views and and has more than 27 million subscribers, the second highest in late-night.

CBS and others react to his departure

CBS president and CEO George Cheeks also expressed his feelings in a statement.

“From Crosswalk the Musical to the legendary Carpool Karaoke, and every unique comedy segment he introduced, James has truly reimagined many elements of the late night format,” he said. “We wish he could stay longer, but we are very proud he made CBS his American home and that this partnership will extend one more season on The Late Late Show.”

Cheeks, CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl, and CBS Studio boss David Stapf and Nick Bersntein along with the rest of the team were keen to keep him. They offered a variety of deals including a three-year extension, a two-year extension, and a rolling one year deal. However, Corden was adamant that he would leave regardless. He was also thankful for the support and patience during his decision.

Corden’s predecessor, Ferguson, also praised him on Twitter for job he has done over the years.

“Congratulations to @JKCorden on a spectacular run. See you at the bingo. Well done my friend. Xx.” he tweeted.

Corden’s fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert also congratulated Corden on Twitter.

“Congratulations, James, on what will be eight incredible years at CBS. 12:30 won’t be the same without you. But looking forward to your exciting adventures as the new Doctor Who!,” he tweeted.

Published by: HOLR Magazine.