James Corden is stepping down as the host of 'A League of Their Own' for the show's upcoming series.

James Corden

James Corden

The 40-year-old chat show host has been at the helm of the Sky One sporting panel show for nine years, but due to a filming clash, he won't be able to take part in the programme's upcoming series.

This will mark the first time in the show's history that James - who now has a successful career hosting 'The Late Late Show' in America - won't be on screen, and he will instead be replaced by a number of guest hosts.

However, sources say he still "loves" the show and won't be abandoning ship forever, as he hopes he can return to host as normal in the future.

An insider told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre TV column: "James loves 'A League of Their Own' and has always ensured he's been able to appear while his career booms in the States.

"But this summer, work commitments mean he cannot make all of the shows. Hopefully next year he'll return to normal as he misses everybody involved."

Previously, James described 'A League of Their Own' as "the greatest job in the world", and said he would love to keep doing the show despite his rapidly growing success in the States.

He said: "When I got offered the show in America, the first thing I said was, 'I have this show in the UK that I love doing and as long as I'm working in America, I'd love to keep doing this show'.

"It's an absolute luxury to do something I love and I'm rewarded for. 'A League of Their Own' has been incredible to me."

James has been the host of the show since its creation in 2010, alongside team captains, cricketer Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff and former footballer Jamie Redknapp.

Last series saw the departure of regular panellist Jack Whitehall, who was replaced by fellow comedian Romesh Ranganathan.