James Corden is creating a new primetime music show for the BBC.

James Corden

James Corden

The 'Late Late Show' presenter's production company, Fulwell 73 - which he runs with producer Ben Winston - are creating a six-part series that will air this autumn, with a view to a long-term run if it proves popular.

The as-yet untitled programme will feature the world's biggest music stars performing and taking part in comedy sketches.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The BBC has been desperate for a music show for a modern-day audience.

"Bosses know they can't simply get away with showing musicians perform their latest tracks, there needs to be a social media element with the scope to create virals, like 'The Late Late Show' and Jimmy Fallon do in the US."

While James won't be fronting the shot, the plan is for a different A-list guest to co-host each week alongside a regular British presenter, whose identity is yet to be revealed.

Fulwell 73's Gabe Turner and Suzi Aplin will serve as executive producers on the show.

The programme will be the first primetime regular music show for the network since 'Top of the Pops' was axed in 2006 after 42 years on screen, though the chart programme does return every December for a festive special.

James recently admitted he doesn't worry about the ratings on his own US talk show because he's more interested in its social media popularity.

He said: "My ego is too big to make a show that's on at 12:37 at night. It's as simple as that.

"So I can't allow that. We want to make a show that can be consumed all through the day and all through the night.

"What's the point [in thinking about ratings]? I can't move that needle. I can't change that dial.

"But what I can do is make the very best television show we could ever possibly make -- one that's consumed whenever people want to find it."


Tagged in