A look back at James Corden’s childhood in heartwarming family snaps

James Corden has wrapped filming on The Late Late Show after eight years.

On Thursday night, the Gavin and Stacey star, 44, signed off from the US late night television show for one final time after 1,200 episodes as host. 

The comedian – who is moving back to the UK – has come a long way since appearing in the musical Martin Guerre with a one-line part in his teens.

James’ sister Ange previously gave an insight into the star’s family life as she shared heartwarming childhoop snaps of him before he found fame.

In one photo, the future TV star poses alongside Ange for a family photo, with the pair wrapping their arms around each other. 

End of an era: On Thursday night, the Gavin and Stacey star, 44, signed off from the US late night television show for one final time after 1,200 episodes as host

In another snap from his school days, James can be seen in a light blue shirt, again alongside his older sister.

Ange – who has previously appeared on This Morning with her younger sister Ruth – also shared a photo of the comedian during a trip to the beach. 

During the final episode, James was joined by Tom Cruise as they hit the live theatre stage to perform in The Lion King.

The comedian sent Top Gun star Tom, 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.’

‘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. 

Childhood: In another snap from his school days, James can be seen in a light blue shirt, again alongside his older sister

Family: Ange – who has previously appeared on This Morning with her younger sister Ruth – also shared a photo of the comedian during a trip to the beach

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. 

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

James had him spin around and dance with him backstage before they played around with the show’s puppets.

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.

James ended the show by telling his viewers he had done 1,200 late shows over the last eight years.

Grateful: James ended the show by telling his viewers 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.