James Corden has revealed he will quit The Late Late Show after eight years on the air in order to move back to the UK with his family.
He made the announcement during a taping on Thursday (April 28), telling the studio audience he had signed on for another season of the show.
The audience began to cheer and clap before Corden halted them, letting them know that wasn't all he had to say.
He then dropped his bombshell that while he'll be back in action for another season, it would be his final year at the helm of the talk show.
"This will be my last year," Corden told the audiences, to audible sighs and groans. "When I started this journey it was always going to be that - a journey, an adventure.
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"I never saw it as my final destination and I never wanted this show to overstay its welcome.
"I really think that a year from now that [it] would be a good time to move on and see what else is out there."
The choice clearly weighed on the British TV host, with the 43-year-old tearing up while filming.
Choking up, Corden told his studio audience that this is 'the hardest decision' he has ever had to make.
Although his tenure at The Late Late Show might be drawing to a close, he assured audiences and fans that he and his team is 'determined to make it the best year we've ever had', adding the show is 'going to go out with a bang'.
The UK native took over the hosting gig from comedian and actor Craig Ferguson eight years ago.
Best known in the UK for the smash-hit TV series Gavin and Stacey, Corden ushered in an era of fun for the chat show, with new sketches and bits that often go viral online.
Everyone is familiar with his segments like 'Drop the Mic' and 'Carpool Karaoke', which as boasted celebrities like Adele, Justin Bieber, and Prince Harry.
In a statement, president and CEO of the CBS network George Cheeks said Corden will be missed.
"Seven years ago, James Corden came to the US and took television by storm, with huge creative and comedic swings that resonated in a big way with viewers on-air and online," Cheeks said.
"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 added: "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."
Topics: James Corden, TV and Film, News
Rachel Lang