James Corden has been welcomed by Craig Ferguson on The Late Late Show ahead of his presenting debut.

James Corden
(Ian West/PA Wire)

The Gavin And Stacey star is set to step into the Scottish presenter’s shoes to front the US talk show in March and was given a playful grilling by the current host when he appeared on the CBS programme.

“I just want to say, James, I’m delighted it’s you. I’m delighted you’re taking over, and I’m very, very sorry for what’s about to happen. You sure you want to do it?” Craig asked James, to which the 36-year-old actor said: ” I think it’s too late, Craig – but you’re looking good.”

Craig offered James some reassurance about the job, joking: “You’ll be fine. People are so kind – especially on the internet.”

“I’ve had some experience with that already,” James replied. “You have some passionate fans.”

Craig addressed the cameras, saying: “Leave him alone! He’s lovely – and, smells like biscuits,” to which James added: “But that’s mostly because I’m 90 per cent biscuits. Five per cent bread and five per cent cake.”

Craig Ferguson
(Eric Charbonneau/Invision/PA)

The 52-year-old presenter, who has hosted The Late Late Show for almost a decade since January 2005, then asked James to cut to an ad break.

“I can’t! Even this is making my chest feel tight. I can’t breathe,” James admitted, before successfully doing his line.

Craig is filming the last two episodes of his Late Late Show, with Jay Leno being his last scheduled guest on his final show, which airs tonight.

Singer John Mayer, filmmaker Judd Apatow and funnyman Drew Carey will be keeping the seat warm before James begins on March 23.