James Corden returns to The Late Late Show in his own hometown, London, following the monstrous terrorist attacks that took place on saturday night. The attack horrifically saw the loss of 7 named dead, with another 48 seriously injured after a van plowed onto London Bridge last Saturday evening, and 3 attackers were revealed with 12-inch blades.
James Corden has been making a name for himself across the pond recently with his Late Late Show when he succeeded Craig Ferguson back in 2015. Even before the attacks, however, Corden felt the need to be reunited with his home-town, yet following these tragic events, his return felt even more poignant.
Corden opened the debut episode with a heart-warming statement.
Opening the show
Surrounded by a plethora of puddles and accompanied by the backdrop of Big Ben and its booming chime that echoes across the city. James opened with a joke of feeling at home within the ‘British summertime’ before facing the harsh reality of what had happened just ‘a mile or so down the road’.
He went on to say how ‘close to home’ these atrocities has felt to him, and that although many would suggest it was ‘a strange time to hold a variety show’, but how he ‘couldn't disagree more’.
Treading through London town, someone who many would declare as a national treasure, stated the critical love he held for his houses of parliament, our rights to elect a Prime minister, and our democracy.
Corden stands below the light of a lamp post before waving up towards a fellow presenter, Reggae Yates, standing at the top of Central Hall Westminster, where The Late Late Show is set to be broadcast from all week. Yates is known for his recent documentaries that have tackled controversial topics across the globe.
The comedy presenter Ends his speech sincerely and plainly, echoing the rendition stated all week since the attack: Britain is still strong despite the implications left behind by these terrorists, and our democracy, our values, are the qualities that drive us forward following these tragic events.
Corden's final words
"I am so proud to be here, broadcasting from my hometown, proud to show off its beauty, It’s stoic, British determination to let nobody stand in our way. This is not a country that feels afraid," Corden said.
Celebrating Britain, London and everything it has to offer was a charming and firm opening to a show that holds British values at its forefront.
Corden, with a warm look on his face, he finished his speech with "It may be the worst weather in the world, but it's still my favorite city."
