A look back at James Corden’s childhood in heartwarming family snaps
James Corden has wrapped up The Late Late Show after eight years.
On Thursday night, the Gavin and Stacey star, 44, signed off from the American late night TV show for the last time after 1,200 episodes as host.
The comedian – who is moving back to the UK – has come a long way since appearing in the musical Martin Guerre in his teens with a one-line role.
James’ sister Ange previously gave an insight into the star’s family life when she shared heartwarming childhood photos of him before he rose to fame.
In one photo, the future TV star poses next to Ange for a family photo, with the couple wrapping their arms around each other.
Throwback: James Coren’s sister Ange gave insight into the star’s family life as she shared heartwarming snaps of him before he rose to fame
End of an era: On Thursday night, the Gavin and Stacey star, 44, signed off from the American late night TV show for the last time after 1,200 episodes as host
In another photo from his school days, James can be seen in a light blue shirt, again next to his older sister.
Ange – who previously appeared on This Morning alongside her younger sister Ruth – also shared a photo of the comedian during a trip to the beach.
During the series finale, James was joined by Tom Cruise as they take the live theater stage to perform in The Lion King.
The comedian messaged Top Gun star Tom, 60, to see if he would do one last mission with him.
He then played a clip of James and Tom sitting together in a fighter jet over the Mojave Desert a year ago.
“Sometime, before it’s all done, we’ve got to do a musical together,” Tom said. “Take a year to study and do a musical like that.”
“This is too bizarre for me,” James said. “I need to take a moment and realize I’m in a fighter jet flying over the mountains as I talk to Tom Cruise about doing a musical.”
Then the clip jumped to two weeks ago and showed Tom jumping out of the plane pulling out his phone with James on the phone as the Mission Impossible theme played.
Childhood: In another photo from his school days, James can be seen in a light blue shirt, again next to his older sister
Family: Ange – who previously appeared on This Morning alongside her younger sister Ruth – also shared a photo of the comedian during a trip to the beach
James said it was time for their last adventure and invited him to lunch with him on Hollywood Boulevard.
Tom then joined James at the Pantages Theater on Hollywood Blvd.
“You’re at the theater,” James said. ‘Do I have something nice for you? In the eight years that I have hosted the show. We’ve been skydiving, you’ve flown me upside down and today you’re entering my world.
“You and I are about to join the cast of the greatest show in Broadway history. We perform live at The Lion King. What do you say?’
“I say no,” said Tom.
James hugged him and said he would love it. James then introduced Tom to the cast.
“Limited or no theatrical experience,” James said, describing Tom’s theatrical background.
James said they would perform live in front of an audience in the evening. Tom darted off as James ran after him.
One last ride: James was joined by Tom Cruise in their final stunt for the hit CBS show together as they take the live theater stage to perform in The Lion King
James made him spin and dance with him backstage before they played with the show’s puppets.
At that night’s performance, James and Tom waited backstage in their costumes. James wore a green suit while Tom wore a giant black wig. Tom dressed in a wild warthog costume while James in a green costume stood in front of a lion puppet that moved it.
They both came on stage and sang Hakuna Matata. The crowd cheered for them. Tom and James returned to the stage, bowed to the audience and received bouquets of roses.
James ended the show by telling his viewers that he had done 1,200 late shows in the past eight years.
Grateful: James ended the show by telling his viewers that he had done 1,200 late shows in the past eight years
“I want to use this minute in prime time to say thank you to everyone who worked here on the show,” James said.
“This family, this team, I love you so much. I’m going to miss you. And I hope you’re as proud as I am of the show we’ve created.”
James then played his favorite clips from the past few years, including clips from his very first show, drinking tea with Prince Harry, playing basketball with Michelle Obama, eating dinner with Cher and doing carpool karaoke with Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney and Michelle Obama.