James Corden is bidding farewell to The Late Late Show and here’s why

The well known actor is exiting the talk show after signing a one-year extension to his contract and will officially leave later next year.

“It’s been it’s a really hard decision to leave because I’m so immensely proud of the show,” Corden told Deadline, who first broke the news.

“I’m thrilled to be extending [for a year]. I always thought I’d do it for five years and then leave and then I stayed on. I’ve really been thinking about it for a long time, thinking whether there might be one more adventure.”

Corden added, “My bosses here at CBS have been incredibly supportive and extraordinarily patient with me while I made this decision.

The late night show host addressed his exit in the opening monologue of his April 28 episode.

He got emotional when he reflected on his journey that he describes as being an adventure.

“When I started this journey, it was always going to be just that. It was going to be a journey, an adventure. I never saw it as my final destination, you know? And I never want this show to overstay its welcome in any way. I always want to love making it. And I really think in a year from now that will be a good time to move on and see what else might be out there.”

Corden has boosted ratings of the show since taking the reign years ago, with his infamous Carpool Karaoke—featuring guests like Adele, Britney Spears, and Niki Minaj, a viral sensation.

The Late Late Show Carpool Karaoke Prime Time Special—a CBS primetime version of the popular segment—has even earned Corden two Emmys.

“Seven years ago, James Corden came to the U.S. and took television by storm, with huge creative and comedic swings that resonated in a big way with viewers on-air and online,” CBS President and CEO George Cheeks said in a statement.

“James has truly reimagined many elements of the late night format.”

While Cheeks noted that he wished Corden “could stay longer,” he was “very proud [Corden] made CBS his American home.”

Corden has appeared in movies like Cats, The Prom, Into The Woods and Cinderella whilst continuing his gig as late night show host.