James Corden’s tears as he takes his final bow and says farewell in star-studded last Late Late Show

An emotional James Corden was in tears last night while signing off on his final The Late Late Show after eight years at the helm, as he prepares to return to the UK and regain favor among the British public.

The 44-year-old TV personality ended his run on US late night television yesterday by performing a piano ballad with several references to his 1,200 episodes. His final guests included his pop megastar friend Harry Styles and comedian Will Ferrell, messages of support from President Joe Biden and a Carpool Karaoke with Adele.

PR experts have claimed Corden could be set for a big-money move to ITV and even replace rival Jonathan Ross as part of a charm offensive to ‘win back the British public’ after a slew of negative headlines while in the US.

Toward the end of the musical number last night, Corden’s voice began to crack and tears welled up in his eyes as he looked into the camera. He sang: ‘And part of me thinks why not stay here forever? But deep in my heart, I just know. No more shows to be showing. It’s time I was going. It’s time. Thanks for watching, that’s our show.’ The crowd uproariously applauded and gave him a standing ovation as the star waved goodbye for the final time. 

He said: ‘Thank you so much for your time, everybody. I will miss you. Goodnight.’ The Into The Woods star pointed to the camera before turning to his audience and giving them a salute. He wiped the tears away with his jacket sleeve as he made his way to the curtain and gave one final wave at the audience while taking the moment in.

The actor and presenter said he decided to quit the show and wanted to spend more time with his family after a heartfelt conversation with his son, Max. But in recent months he has been beset with negative press about his off-screen antics, including a bust-up with the owner of a restaurant who banned him for being rude to staff.

After first finding fame on British TV with roles in Hollyoaks and Gavin & Stacey, Corden schmoozed his way into LA life, amassing a £50million fortune showing off his glitzy life while interviewing Prince Harry on a bus. 

But now the father-of-three from High Wycombe is now tearfully bidding farewell to the States, where his wife Julia has set up a global interior design business that counts the Beckhams and the Clooneys among its clientele.

Despite insisting he was not motivated by money, PR experts say that Corden will waste no time attempting to regain favour among the British public. Reputation gurus have suggested Corden could attempt to re-launch his career in the UK by returning to the stage, appearing on reality shows or even accepting a talk show on ITV. 

Final show: For his last ever show, James welcomed his pal Harry Styles and Will Ferrell for a chat on the sofa 

What a way to go out: James ended his run on US late night television by performing a piano ballad with several references to his 1,200 episodes over the years 

Popular culture and brand expert Nick Ede said that Britain will be the hardest place for Corden to win back hearts and minds, and can only do this by ‘going back to basics’. Mr Ede said: ‘I think that James Corden coming back to the UK is going to be a difficult road for him to navigate. 

‘He has proved himself to be a big star but he needs to win back the British public by going back to basics, which he is doing by eyeing up and reprising his role in One Man, Two Guvnors and more acting roles.

‘His persona as a host in the USA worked wonders but his off screen antics have proved problematic and he needs to charm his way back into the public to gain real popularity, not notoriety’.

But he said there is still hope for him, with Mr Ede saying he thinks ‘the public can be won over by him’.

He said: ‘He’s talented and he’s seen as a national treasure by many because of Gavin & Stacey. Going back to his roots and being humble will keep the fans happy – but he still has work to do to get there.’

This could involve a return to the stage, where he made a name for himself in The History Boys and One Man, Two Guvnors, and Corden himself previously told Variety he would ‘love’ to go back to Broadway shortly after announcing his decision to quit.

Corden, who first became a household name after creating hit comedy Gavin & Stacey with Ruth Jones, could also go back to the screen.

Last year he starred in and produced black comedy series Mammals, while he also had roles in Cinderella and Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway in 2021. However, as of yet, it doesn’t seem like he is attached to any upcoming projects.

For his final Late Late Show last night, Cordon was joined by Styles and Hollywood actor Ferrell, 55, and they played a final game of Spill Your Guts Or Fill Your Guts.

‘Yes or no, will there be a One Direction reunion?,’ Styles said to wild applause from the studio audience in Los Angeles. 

‘I would never say never to that. I think if there was a time where we all felt like that was what we wanted to do, then I don’t see why we wouldn’t,’ the Watermelon Sugar hitmaker answered.

Styles has been a frequent visitor to the show, and has even guest-hosted twice. He’s been game for a number of taped bits with Corden, who is leaving to spend more time with his family in the UK, including the time the host directed a music video for Styles’ song Daylight for just $300.

The former X Factor contestant also took part in a more than 11-minute segment featuring a UK Vs. US dodgeball game where Corden, Styles, ‘Games of Thrones’ actor James Bradley and Benedict Cumberbatch faced off against players including Michelle Obama, Mila Kunis, Kate Hudson, Lena Waithe, and Melissa McCarthy.

Waking up: Adele woke up James for a final segment of Carpool Karaoke – his most popular sketch where he drives around Los Angeles with celebrities and sing songs

Best friends: The singer was incredibly emotional as she joined James for his final show in a pre-recorded segment

Emotional: As James said farewell for the last time with a musical number his voice began to crack and tears welled up in his eyes as he looked straight into the camera

‘As a friend, I’m so incredibly proud of you,’ Styles told Corden. ‘On a personal note, you’ve been a safe space to me always as a friend.’ He added that he was ´’selfishly very excited that you’re coming home.’ 

Styles, Corden and Ferrell then embraced in a group hug.

Corden used part of his farewell speech on his final episode to address the deep rift in America over hot button issues including politics and ideology.

‘We started this show with Obama, then Trump and a global pandemic. I’ve watched America change a lot. I’ve watched divisions grow and I’ve felt a sense of negativity boil over,’ said the host. He implored his audience to ‘remember what America signifies to the rest of the world. My entire life it has always been a place of optimism. … Yes, it has flaws but show me a place that doesn’t. Show me a person that doesn’t.

‘Just because somebody disagrees with you it doesn´t make them bad or evil. We are all more the same than we are different. There are so many people who are trying to stoke those differences and we have to try as best we can to look for the light, look for the joy. If you do, it´s out there. That´s all this show has ever been about,’ he said.

Corden announced one year ago that he would be ending his late-night show after eight seasons, citing a desire to return to his native UK to be closer to family and loved ones. His parents were seated in the audience for the final taping, and his sisters, he joked, were in town too — but at a bar instead.

Game segment: Harry asked if there was ever going to be a One Direction reunion while playing a final game of Spill Your Guts Or Fill Your Guts with host James, 44, and fellow final guest Will, 55

Gross food: James, Harry and Will had the option of answering a question or eating Bull Penis, Salmon, Clam Juice & Wasabi Smoothie and Bug Trifle

Frequent visitor: Styles has been a frequent visitor to the show and once took part in a more than 11-minute segment featuring a UK Vs. US dodgeball game with a host of stars

Farewell speech: Corden used part of his farewell speech on his final episode to address the deep rift in America over hot button issues including politics and ideology

Styles and Farrell weren’t the only people of stature who were featured on the episode as US President Joe Biden joined the star-studded affair.

The President didn’t drop by the studio, but instead filmed a short video appreciation of Corden’s eight-year stint on the series from what appeared to be the White House.

During his speech, in which he thanked the 44-year-old host for ‘all the joy you’ve brought to homes across America.’

Biden joined several film and television shows sending Corden off in style, including his old pal Tom Cruise, who performed in the Lion King stage musical with the host during a prime time special, as well as Will Ferrell and Harry Styles in the episode proper.

Corden appeared to be surprised to see a video message from Biden, and he said ‘Stop’ in shock once he saw footage of the White House.

Honored: President Joe Biden joined James Corden’s star-studded final episode of The Late Late Show on Thursday night

Virtual appearance: The President didn’t drop by the studio, but instead filmed a short video appreciation of Corden’s eight-year stint on the series from what appeared to be the White House

He was so overwhelmed by the honor that he put his head down on his desk as the President began to address him.

Biden congratulated him on his ‘incredible run’ of ‘1200 shows in eight years.’

But then he looked back on Corden’s visit to the White House in 2022, when he played the role of an intern and assistant to Biden.

The hilarious clip showed Corden presenting the President with an edible arrangement of fruits.

‘This… is both a snack… and… a gift,’ he said with overly dramatic pauses as he placed it on the Resolute desk in the Oval Office.

‘Who is that guy?’ the President asked with perfect comic timing after Corden stepped out.

In the new clip, Biden ribbed Corden by saying, ‘I’m surprised you lasted eight years at any job!’ 

The message also included a sweet photo of Corden and his bandleader Reggie Watts, along with a photo of the entire crew on set.

A quick montage featured some of Corden best moments as host, including his sky-diving segment with Tom Cruise, a musical performance in Manhattan with Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron, the time he presented a horrible bust of David Beckham to the soccer superstar, and a Carpool Karaoke segment in which he wore a too-tight Sgt. Peppers uniform while joined by Paul McCartney.

‘And a special thanks for never asking me to sing in the car,’ Biden added to laughter from the audience over a montage of Carpool Karaoke segments. ‘I can’t sing worth a damn.’

The clip ended with footage from Corden’s previous trip to the White House showing him and Biden both putting on a pair of the President’s preferred aviator sunglasses.

Sweet: During his speech, in which he thanked the 44-year-old host for ‘all the joy you’ve brought to homes across America’

Too much to handle: Corden was so overwhelmed by the honor that he put his head down on his desk as the President began to address him

Having a laugh: Biden looked back on Corden’s visit to the White House in 2022, when he played the role of an intern and assistant to Biden. The hilarious clip showed Corden presenting the President with an edible arrangement of fruits

The whole gang: The message also included a sweet photo of Corden and his bandleader Reggie Watts, along with a photo of the entire crew on set

No thanks: Amid a Carpool Karaoke montage, Biden joked, ‘And a special thanks for never asking me to sing in the car. I can’t sing worth a damn’

Class act: ‘We’ll miss ya, pal. I can’t wait to see what you do next,’ Biden concluded on a gracious note

‘We’ll miss ya, pal. I can’t wait to see what you do next,’ Biden concluded on a gracious note.

Corden was overwhelmed again as the camera returned to him and the audience erupted in applause.

‘That is amazing!’ he said. 

He joked before moving on, ‘There was a minute in the middle when I was watching when those photos were going when I was like, “Wait, have I died?”‘

Corden was also lucky enough to welcome his parents in the audience as he even took a playful jab at his own mother Margaret.

Both of James’ parents – Margaret and his father Malcolm – made the trip across the pond for the final episode, as the 44-year-old comedian acknowledged them in the audience when starting his monologue.

‘My mom and dad are here. Are you okay, mom, dad, are you holding it together?’ he asked his parents.

His mother Margaret – who raised the late-night talk-show host with her husband in Hazlemere, Buckinghamshire – said she was fine… for a moment.

‘Until you ask me to give you a kiss before we came on and then I was gone,’ Margaret said, while holding back tears, when Corden made a Botox joke.

Good fun: Corden was also lucky enough to welcome his parents in the audience as he even took a playful jab at his own mother Margaret

Mom and dad: Both of James’ parents – Margaret and his father Malcolm – made the trip across the pond for the final episode, as the 44-year-old comedian acknowledged them in the audience when starting his monologue

Piss off: ‘I didn’t even know you could move your face that much since all of your Botox,’ he said as the crowd started laughing, as Margaret responded, ‘Oh piss off’

Collagen: ‘She said there is a certain collagen for my lips that I can’t get at home,’ he said as both of his parents laughed

‘I didn’t even know you could move your face that much since all of your Botox,’ he said as the crowd started laughing, as Margaret responded, ‘Oh piss off.’

Corden added, ‘She said to me last night, she said we would still be able to come out here and she said why?’

‘She said there is a certain collagen for my lips that I can’t get at home,’ he said as both of his parents laughed.

They also played a clip of James waking up in his bed with Seth Meyers staring at him. 

‘I need to talk to you about you leaving,’ Seth, 49, said. ‘You can’t just leave a talk show’

He turned and Jimmy Kimmel was also in his bedroom.

‘Hosting a network last night talk show makes you part of a very exclusive club and if we’re going to let you leave, we need to know you will keep our sacred secrets,’ Jimmy, 55, said .

‘What secrets?’ James said.

CBS host: Stephen Colbert joined talk show hosts from other networks in a skit to send-off Corden

‘You know how we don’t watch every episode of TV or movie that are guests are on to promote,’ Seth said.

‘You are telling me I didn’t need to watch all four seasons of Mozart in the Jungle?’ James said.

‘Of course you didn’t have to watch that,’ Jimmy said. ‘Mozart was never even in the jungle.’

‘I missed my sister’s wedding for that,’ James said. ‘What else?’

‘The fake laugh we all have for when a guest tells a story that isn’t funny,’ Jimmy said laughing.

Stephen Colbert, 58, then came out of James’ closet laughing.

‘You’re not going anywhere are you?’ Stephen said.

‘Of course not, I live here,’ James said.

‘Stick around we’ll be back with more James Corden everybody,’ Stephen said laughing.

James promised them he wouldn’t reveal any of their secrets and asked them all to leave.

‘James have you thought through what other job will allow you to break into song and dance every single night?’ Stephen said.

‘I don’t sing and dance every night,’ James said.

‘You do,’ Jimmy Kimmel said.

James said he did two years without singing and dancing, but Jimmy pointed out that was during COVID. James said he had thought long and hard about it and it might be the hardest decision of his life but that he was leaving.

ABC host: Jimmy Kimmel told Corden that he sings and dances every night

Just then Jimmy Fallon walked out of his bathroom.

‘In that case, we are going to have to lay out the terms of the official exit,’ Fallon.

Seth said he couldn’t look like he was enjoying retirement too much.

‘You are going to grow a huge one,’ Stephen said. ‘One that says God spoke to me from a bush.’

David Letterman, 76, then appeared in the room with his bushy white beard.

‘You know God did speak to me and he told me I don’t need to be in this bit,’ David said.

‘Don’t get any big ideas, stick to corporate gigs, podcasts maybe The Masked Singer,’ Kimmel said.

James said when he first came to America he heard of the late night wars.

Exit terms: ‘In that case, we are going to have to lay out the terms of the official exit,’ Jimmy Fallon said

Late-night legend: ‘You know God did speak to me and he told me I don’t need to be in this bit,’ David Letterman said

‘Then I came to realize, we are not at war, we are a family,’ James said. ‘We’ve been through so much together.’

James then started singing. Stephen told him to stop. Seth said they needed to talk about splitting up his ideas. They all said they wanted Carpool Karaoke. James said that he did have other bits.

‘You can’t have any of my ideas,’ James said. ‘I’m not growing a beard. I’m not doing any of this.’

Kimmel said he left them no choice.

‘We are going to have to revoke your invitation to the Met Gala,’ Kimmel quipped.

‘Not fashion’s biggest night,’ James said.

James then woke up and said it was just a dream. Six months later, James was taking off his mask with Trevor Noah on The Masked Singer.

Dream sequence: Six months later, James was taking off his mask with Trevor Noah on The Masked Singer

Also Thursday, CBS aired a primetime special called ‘The Last Last Late Late Show Special’ featuring taped segments with Tom Cruise (where they performed stunts and sang a duet of ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ from ‘The Lion King’) and Adele, where they taped a final Carpool Karaoke segment. 

Corden reminded the singer that she has an Emmy, Grammy and Oscar and wondered if she would ever actively pursue a Tony Award. ‘You have the EGO’ he said.

‘I really don´t think that that is ever gonna happen. I would never write a musical or anything like that because I f***ing hate musicals,’ said Adele to laughter. ‘I also think the EGO suits me better.’

There were also goodbyes from the other late night hosts. Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and David Letterman all appeared in a pre-taped segment with Corden. They joked that since Corden was ending his show, they could each call dibs on one of his segments.

They all chose Carpool Karaoke, referencing Corden’s most popular sketch where he drives around Los Angeles with celebrities and sing songs. Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Chris Martin are a few of his Carpool Karaoke passengers. The segment was such a hit that it spun-off into its own series for Apple. Corden only appeared in the debut episode with Will Smith in the car.

Corden closed out the final episode by playing a piano and singing a song with the crew and staff gathered around the stage. 

‘Part of me thinks I should stay here forever but deep in my heart I just know,’ Corden sang. ‘No more shows to be showing, it´s time I was going, It´s time. Thanks for watching, that´s our show.’

Fellow hosts: Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and David Letterman all appeared in a pre-taped segment with Corden

Top Gun: James Corden said ‘hakuna matata’ with a familiar face Tom Cruise for the primetime special 

Best moments: Some of James’ best moments were included in the last show (pictured Lady Gaga doing Carpool Karaoke) 

History: One Direction also did Carpool Kararoke with James back in the day 

The Late Late Show With James Corden premiered in March 2015 with Mila Kunis and Tom Hanks as his first guests.

Mila, 39, was back as a guest on Wednesday for the penultimate episode of the show.

Corden succeeded Craig Ferguson, 60, who hosted The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson from 2005 to 2014.

CBS plans to retire The Late Late Show franchise in favor of less expensive formats.

James Corden’s final show primetime special: Late night host and Tom Cruise hilariously perform in The Lion King play live in final Late Late Show stunt together 

James Corden said ‘hakuna matata’ with a familiar face for the primetime special ahead of his final The Late Late Show episode.

The 44-year-old chat show host was joined by Tom Cruise in their final stunt for the popular CBS show together as they hit the live theater stage to perform in The Lion King.

It all began on The Last Last Late Late Show: Primetime Special that aired Thursday in primetime with James saying he sent Cruise, 60, a message to see if he would do one last mission with him. 

Then he played a clip that showed James and Tom from a year ago in a fighter plane together over the Mojave desert.

‘Somewhere, before it’s all done we’ve got to do a musical together,’ Tom said. ‘Take a year and just study and do a musical like that.’

One last ride: James Corden was joined by Tom Cruise in their final stunt for the popular CBS show together as they hit the live theater stage to perform in The Lion King

‘This is too bizarre for me,’ James said. ‘I have to take a minute and realize I’m in a fighter jet flying over the mountains while talking to Tom Cruise about doing a musical.’

Then the clip jumped to two weeks ago and showed Tom jumping out of plane pulling out his phone with James on the line while the Mission Impossible theme played. James said it was time for their last adventure and invited him to lunch with him on Hollywood Boulevard.

Tom then joined James at the Pantages Theater on Hollywood Blvd.

‘You boy are in the theater,’ James said. ‘Have I got a treat for you? In the eight years, I’ve been hosting the show. We’ve been skydiving, you’ve flown me upside down and today you are going to enter my world. You and I are going to enter the cast of the biggest show in Broadway history. We will perform live in The Lion King. What do you say?’

‘I say no,’ Tom said.

James hugged him and said he was going to love it. James then introduced Tom to the cast.

‘Limited or no theatrical experience,’ James said as he described Tom’s theatrical background.

James said they were going to perform live in the evening in front of an audience. Tom bolted with James running after him. James had him spin around and dance with him backstage. They played around with the show’s puppets.

Bond: It all began on The Last Last Late Late Show: Primetime Special that aired Thursday in primetime with James saying he sent Cruise, 60, a message to see if he would do one last mission with him

Getting ready: James and Tom practiced some dance moves before the performance

At the night’s performance, James and Tom waited backstage in their costumes. James wore a green suit while Tom wore a giant black wig. Tom got into a wild warthog costume while James in a green costume stood before a lion puppet moving it around. 

They both got on the stage and sang Hakuna Matata. The crowd cheered for them. Tom and James came back on stage, bowed for the crowd and accepted rose bouquets.

Later, Tom told James he was going out with some of the cast. James told Tom that he wasn’t going.

‘You don’t have to pretend anymore, Tom,’ James said. ‘I know how this works. You’re a big movie star and you are going to have more projects to promote and when that happens you are just going to find yourself another late night host.’

‘You tell me I’m wrong,’ James continued. ‘When Mission Impossible 12 comes out, you are not going to think of me.’

‘This is your last show, you did this to us,’ Tom said.

The two then sang Elton John’s song Can You Feel The Love Tonight and ran into each other’s arms as clips of their previous skits played. A helicopter landed on the roof, Tom got into it and flew away.

Also on the special was Corden’s highly-anticipated last Carpool Karaoke with Adele.

Killed it: Tom got into a wild warthog costume while James in a green costume stood before a lion puppet moving it around as they sang Hakuna Matata

Drinking alone: Tom drank alone without James who was worried the star would find a new talk show host

On roof: A helicopter landed on the roof, Tom got into it and flew away

Big surprise: Adele surprised James by waking him up with cymbals before giving him a ride to work

The 34-year-old singer broke down in tears discussing her divorce from Simon Konecki in the emotional video that was released on Monday.

While things started jovial, the mood soon turned somber when the Grammy winner revealed that James – who was also holding back tears – had helped her through the split by going on holiday together.

She then revealed for the first time that a verse in her song I Drink Wine was inspired by James when he turned to the singer for advice as he was having his own tough time in life.

‘[The verse] was inspired by a conversation that you and I had, and it was the 4th of January, 2020 or something, and we’d been on vacation together with the kids…’ Adele began. 

Adele – who finalized her divorce with Simon in March 2021, two years after announcing their split – revealed that she went on a family vacation with James, his wife Julia Carey, their three children, and her son Angelo, 10. 

‘And we were on our way home and my mood had changed and it was like the first year that I felt like I had to hold myself accountable, for just being an adult, whereas the year before that I left Simon, you and Jules and the kids were so integral in looking after me and Angelo,’ she said breaking down in tears. 

Emotions running high: Adele broke down in tears discussing her divorce from Simon Konecki as she filmed the final Carpool Karaoke with James Corden in an emotional video that was released on Monday

Confessional: Adele reveals a verse in her song I Drink Wine was inspired by James, 44, when he later turned to her for advice as he was having his own tough time in life

Saying her goodbyes: Adele admitted to James that she doesn’t feel ‘ready’ to return to home to the UK, otherwise she would be considering coming with him 

‘You used to do it with humour as well, you used to be like, ‘good luck with that one!’ with any sort of thing that I was pursuing, and you were always so, you were like an adult with me, you and Julia would always give me this advice.’

However, Adele explained that when it was James’ turn to ask her for advice – hinting that he wasn’t happy with his life in America – the singer admitted it made her feel ‘unsafe.’ 

Talking about a six-hour conversation the pair had when times were tough, James explained: ‘It was work stuff, and the Internet, and all those things.’ 

Despite his popular show, James has been no stranger to controversy – with his alleged rude behavior called out last year by restaurant owner Keith McNally.  

Adele then responded: ‘It got me thinking, I felt so unsafe, with you feeling unsafe, because you’ve always been like [the adult] you have, since I was like 21.’

‘And then I went to the studio a couple of weeks later, and I wrote this and I sang it into my phone and I sent it to you and I do remember you saying, ‘That’s exactly how I was feeling.” 

James interjected, saying: ‘It was everything that I was feeling that day. I was floored by how you’d managed to take everything that I was feeling myself, and… life, and just put it in a verse. 

Memories: The pair both reminisced about their friendship – with Adele revealing that they’ve known one another since the beginning of her career 

Tears and laughter: The pair both laughed as well as cried while talking about James’ decision to leave the US

Comforting: Several times James was seen comforting Adele as she got emotional 

Some of the lyrics they sang along to included the lines: ‘How come we’ve both become a version of a person we don’t even like? We’re in love with the world, but the world just wants to bring us down, by putting ideas in our heads, that corrupt our hearts somehow.’

Holding back tears, James it called it a ‘privilege’ that Adele had managed to capture how he was feeling and put it into one of her songs. 

However, the segment was kicked off in a much lighter tone, when the Someone Like You singer played a prank on James by turning up at his home in LA.

Sneaking into his bedroom, Adele gave James a rude awakening with crash cymbals as she told that she would be driving him into work. 

As they began their journey to CBS studios, James was seen in the passenger seat for a change as the two pals got ready to sing together. 

However, things get off to a shaky start as the Tottenham-born megastar told James she is ‘s****ting herself being behind the wheel, adding: ‘I’m actually not a brilliant driver.’ 

Then and now: Adele with first husband Simon Konecki at 2013 Grammys, and right with current boyfriend Rich Paul at the 2023 Grammys 

Emotional: At one point, Adele teared up as she spoke to James about his show ending 

Adele is switching things up for host James Corden on the final Carpool Karaoke series – as the Grammy winner gets behind the driver’s seat for a change 

After launching into a rendition of her hit Rolling in the Deep, Adele has James in hysterics as she starts asking him questions about Carpool Karaoke saying: ‘There’s been some bloody brilliant ones, and some s*** ones too.’

Talking about it being his very last carpool, James admitted that he was ‘excited’ and ‘scared’ with Adele agreeing: ‘Yeah I bet.’ 

‘I don’t know – it’s been a crazy eight years, 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,’ a teary-eyed James said.

 Adele then revealed how James leaving is personally affecting her. ‘I’ve never lived in LA without you guys so I’m like a bit nervous about it. 

Prank: The video starts with Adele pranking James Corden at his home in LA

Surprise! Adele is filmed as she plans to wake up James before driving him into work 

Rude awakening: James is woken up by Adele crashing cymbals above him in bed

Fun and games: The old pals flipped between laughter and tears throughout the drive 

The pair also reveal a story about how James had tried to set up an elaborate prank to fool Adele into thinking that a wild bear was on the loose in Beverly Hills. 

But things got off to a rocky start when Adele arrived early and her assistant spotted that there were secret cameras in the room. 

Despite going to great lengths to pull it off – including getting Gayle King to record a spoof news report on the bear – James cut it short when he could see Adele was getting uncomfortable.  

Later, James addressed Adele’s ‘EGO’ status now that she has won an Emmy, Grammy and an Oscar – and would just need a Tony Award to earn the prestigious ‘EGOT’ status.

‘I really don’t think that is ever going to happen,’ Adele laughed.

‘I would never write a musical or anything like that… because I f***ing hate musicals. I also think the EGO suits me better’ 

However, that doesn’t stop Adele from singing along to Barbra Streisand’s Don’t Rain On My Parade from the musical Funny Girl. 

After yet another emotional sing-song to Adele’s Hometown Glory, the pair started to tear up again as Adele told him: ‘You’re one of my best friends in the whole world.’ 

Wiping away her tears Adele added: ‘I’m just not ready to come back [to the UK] yet. Otherwise I would come back with you.’ 

James ended the show saying he had done 1,200 late shows over the last eight years.

‘I want to take this minute right now in primetime to thank everybody who has worked here on the show,’ James said. ‘This family, this team, I love you so much. I will miss you. And I hope you are feeling as proud as I do at the show that we created.’

James then played his favorite clips from over the years including clips of his very first show, having tea with Prince Harry, playing basketball with Michelle Obama, eating food with Cher, and doing carpool Karaoke with Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney and Michelle Obama.

Giving thanks: ‘I want to take this minute right now in primetime to thank everybody who has worked here on the show,’ James said. ‘This family, this team, I love you so much. I will miss you. And I hope you are feeling as proud as I do at the show that we created’

James also thanked everyone who ever watched the show.

‘Thank you for watching,’ James said.

He then walked out and greeted the audience.

James was back on CBS a short time later for the final episode of The Late Late Show that featured Harry Styles and Will Ferrell as his last guests.