News of the World is reporting that James Corden will host a World Cup show from a pub.
It was originally reported back in December that Corden was in talks with BBC to host a World Cup show. However, NOTW reports that this version would air on ITV1.
The lineup kick’s off with an hour-long special featuring world heavyweight boxing champion David Haye, and the voice of Bob the Builder and man behaving badly, Neil Morrissey.
According to press releases,
James Corden referees the wacky challenge of sporting knowledge as two teams of comedians, sports stars, and celebrity sports fans compete against each other. Guests confirmed to appear in the rest of the series include Amir Khan, Jimmy Carr, Alastair Campbell, Ruth Jones, Claudia Winkleman, Matt Le Tissier, Dara O’Briain and Steve Harmison.
We linked to this last month, but here is an advert James filmed promoting the show:
And here is a behind-the-scenes interview with Corden about A League of Their Own:
It seems the rumors of James Corden having a guest appearance in the upcoming Dr. Who are true.
Several readers spotted the actor in Cardiff (Thanks Amanda and Neil).
The Sun captured James and new Dr., Matt Smith, playing some football (click through for pics).
The Daily Mail also capture images of the duo filming their scenes (click for more pics) [via Gallifreyan Embassy].
The Mail story also features a video about the failed Horne & Corden sketch show.
No word yet from the BBC on Corden’s Dr. Who character or when the show(s) might air.
In a recent interview, James Corden called his failed sketch show with Mat Horne “a mistake.”
The show originally aired early last year on BBC3 and was widely panned by critics, although a small-but-loyal fan base emerged.
Despite conflicting reports from BBC3 (originally calling the show a “smashing success”), series 2 was first rumored to be green-lit and then canceled.
The news prompted a rash of speculation that the Horne & Corden friendship – forged on the set of Gavin & Stacey – had also ended. Says Corden,
Our friendship is great, I love him dearly. I love working with him, and I hope we work together again soon. People just make these things up.”
On the topic of his sketch show, Corden told ShortList Magazine,
The truth is, honestly, I’m not good enough at writing sketches to write a sketch show.
It was a mistake. There’s no point in doing something unless it’s going to be as good as Big Train or The Fast Show. Why bother? And the absolute truth is I wasn’t good enough.”
Although he ruled out future sketch shows, Corden did not fully rule out a future Gavin & Stacey episode. While he and writing partner Ruth Jones have called series 3 the last, they have both reserved the opportunity to write one-off shows in the future.
Lastly, Corden put on a tough skin for the media backlash that surrounded Horne & Corden and the equally panned Lesbian Vampire Killers (also starring Horne),
I got called a fat waste of space a lot in the papers. The material wasn’t strong enough, but the torrent of abuse I got for it from the media was something else.
But you can’t cry about it – my life is a picnic. People have real problems, I’m just called fat and useless in the papers.”
The Daily Mail also has a short video detailing the Corden interview.
SOURCE: BBC News; “James Corden calls BBC Three sketch show a ‘mistake;’” 7 Mar 2010
James Corden has contributed again this year to Sport Relief, set to air 19-21 Mar on BBC.
The Daily Mail has a preview of two Corden sketches. The first features a bikini-clad Corden joining Olympian Tom Daley for a high dive:
A second Corden sketch features Smithy, from Gavin & Stacey, giving Manchester United an aerobics workout:
Rumor has it that Corden will also give David Beckham a massage during the Sport Relief broadcast.
Fans of Corden or Sport Relief, will remember Smithy’s motivational speech to the England football squad from last year.
Looks like this year will be equally funny. Stay tuned for more.
“James made the confession to DJ Chris Moyles on his C4 Quiz Night show,” according to the Star.
The football-loving Corden has a long-standing love affair with the West Ham squad. His Gavin & Stacey character Smithy is also a fan.
SOURCE: The Daily Star; “James Corden: I want to be West Ham mascot;” Dyke, Peter; 25 Feb 2010
We’ve been a little slow to post the news, but rumor is James Corden has secured a spot in the new Dr. Who.
Reports Now Magazine (along with about a dozen other news outlets),
The Gavin & Stacey star, 31, was spotted visiting the set of the BBC show in Cardiff.
‘We normally keep our guest stars under wraps but you can’t hide a bloke like James,’ a source tells The Sun.
‘And now he’s not coming to Wales for Gavin & Stacey any more, it’s pretty obvious why he is here…We’re just delighted to have James on board.’”
SOURCE: Now Magazine; “James Corden tipped to star in Doctor Who;” 25, Feb 2010
The Sun is reporting that James Corden wants to host the BRIT awards again, this time solo.
Corden and Mat Horne hosted the ceremony in 2009 with Kylie Minogue, though it was less-than-well received by critics.
Says Corden,
After watching Peter Kay I’m sure I could do a great job. Bring it on! Peter was good but he could have been even more enthusiastic. But it definitely works better with one host. It is the job I most want.”
SOURCE: The Sun; “James: Let me host Brits;” Smart, Gordon; 19 Feb 2010
Billed as a sports-comedy-panel show, hosted by Corden, the new program is set to air on Sky1 in March.