James Cordon, British actor and comedian, has officially been tapped to replace Craig Ferguson as the host of CBS’s The Late, Late Show.

James Cordon Hosting 'The Late, Late Show'

Cordon’s hiring was announced by CBS on Monday, reported the New York Daily News.

"James Corden is a rare entertainment force who combines irresistible charm, warmth and originality with a diverse range of creative instincts and performance talent," CBS Entertainment Chairman Nina Tassler said in a statement. "He is already a big star in the UK and he's wowed American audiences on Broadway. We're very excited to introduce his considerable and unique talents to our network television audience on a daily basis."

In reaction to the hiring news, Cordon released a statement of his own, which read, “I can't describe how thrilled and honored I am to be taking over from the brilliant Craig Ferguson. To be asked to host such a prestigious show on America's No. 1 network is hugely exciting."

A star of both the stage and screen, Cordon has played the role of Timms in The History Boys on the London stage, on Broadway and in the movie that starred Richard Griffiths and Dominic Cooper. He won a Tony in 2012 for playing the lead in the comedic play One Man, Two Guvnors.

While Cordon is better known in the UK, he’s more recently been endearing himselves to U.S. audiences in One Chance and the star-studded romantic comedy Begin Again in which he starred alongside Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo and Adam Levine. He’ll also be appearing in the high-anticipated feature film adaptation of the dark musical Into the Woods, in which he’ll play The Baker opposite Emily Blunt’s The Baker’s Wife.

Ferguson announced his plans to retire from The Late, Late Show in April of this year, hinting that he was leaning towards leaving show business behind him. However, the Scottish comedian has decided to keep working on the small screen, taking on the hosting duties of daytime's Celebrity Name Game.

Cordon will take over on The Late, Late Show early in 2015 following Ferguson’s December departure.

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