Gavin and Stacey's James Corden and singer Adele were left teary-eyed as they discussed their friendship, the highs and lows they've been through, and eight years of The Late Late Show during the programme's last ever Carpool Karaoke. The candid and emotional chat, which also saw Adele reveal the first verse of her song I Drink Wine was inspired by a six-hour discussion the pair had, comes ahead of The Late Late Show's final episode.
The poignant Carpool Karaoke segment saw Adele pick James up, waking him by clashing drum cymbals over his bed before driving him to work at the CBS studios. James spoke about Carpool Karoke's success, admitting it was difficult to get celebrities to take part at first, which all changed after they eventually persuaded Mariah Carey to do it.
During the final instalment, Adele was left in tears as she recalled how James and his wife had been "so integral in looking after me" and her son after she split from her husband Simon Konecki in 2019. James also revealed how he'd broken down during a six-hour conversation with his friend over "work stuff and the internet, and all those things."
"It's been a crazy eight years," said James said of quitting The Late Late Show. "In one sense it feels like it's gone like that [clicks fingers] and in another I feel like I don't remember what life was like before being here."
But why is James Corden leaving The Late Late Show, is he moving back to the UK, and what will replace the show? Here's everything you need to know.
Why is James Corden leaving The Late Late Show?
James announced he was stepping down from The Late Late Show in April 2022. He told viewers during the opening monologue of a show: "This will be my last year hosting The Late Late Show.
"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, you know? And I never want this show to overstay its welcome in any way. I always want to love making it. And I really think in a year from now that will be a good time to move on and see what else might be out there."
James also recently opened up about his decision to quit on The Drew Barrymore Show, sharing that he didn't want his work to be at the expense of spending time with his children. He told the host: "So, really, the choice was to go, well if I want to do this other work, that cannot be at the expense of our children and our family. And that is really all it comes down to."
Is James Corden moving back to UK?
Yes, during his Carpool Karaoke with Adele, James explained: "It's been a brilliant adventure but I'm just so certain that it's time for us as a family - with people getting older, people that we miss - it's time to go home."
"I know," replied an emotional Adele. "I'm just not ready to come back yet otherwise I would come back with you." She added: "I've never lived in LA without you guys so I'm like a bit nervous about it."
In his interview with Drew Barrymore, James also expained: "I will be a mess on that last show. I will cry my eyes out, but I will know in my core that the best thing for me, and for us as a family, is to put down some roots in London. And it feels absolutely right in every single way."
When is the final The Late Late Show episode?
The final ever episode is due to air on April 27, 2023. Adele's Carpool Karaoke is set to feature in the last programme, with guests including Will Ferrel and Harry Styles.
According to reports, rather than continue with The Late Late Show franchise, the series will be replaced with a reboot of the comedy game show @midnight. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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