James Corden OBE

Now one of the best known presenters in the world, BAFTA-winning actor James Corden first found fame in the National Theatre production of Alan Bennett’s The History Boys. He took the show to Broadway and around the world, and appeared in both the radio and film adaptations.

Well before the days of Carpool Karaoke, James’s first acting break came in the West End musical Martin Guerre, but it was the television role of Jamie in four series of Fat Friends that brought him to the attention of the wider public. He followed that with appearances in Little Britain (as Dewi, the friend of ‘the only gay in the village’) and Hollyoaks.

Since those early days James has won many awards, including the BAFTA for Best Comedy Performance for his portrayal of the loveable Smithy in Gavin and Stacey. He has also won two Comedy Awards as writer and co-creator of the show, and an RTS award for his performance in Fat Friends. Returning to the stage and the National Theatre, James won more awards and plaudits on both sides of the Atlantic for his tour de force comic performance in the smash hit One Man, Two Governors. He was also BAFTA nominated for co-writing and co-starring in The Wrong Mans.

As well as TV and theatre, James’s film credits include TwentyFourSeven, All Or Nothing (directed by Mike Leigh), Starter For Ten, The Three Musketeers, Into The Woods, Kill Your Friends, and working with Alan Bennett again, The Lady in the Van. It’s a long way since James’s talent as a writer was recognised by Wall’s Ice Cream, who commissioned him to write a series of jokes for their lolly sticks.