Katie Couric panics host James Corden in April Fools prank on Late, Late Night Show
Only a week into his new job, Corden is now presenting a late night talk show
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.We’ve all been there: only a few days into a new role and terrified that something will go wrong. Of course, most of us don’t have a TV crew trained on our every move as part of our job.
Broadcaster Katie Couric’s April Day Fools trick on James Corden’s new US show had exactly the reaction producers of the show can only have hoped.
After her announcement, the journalist appears at the top of the stairs behind the audience, only to slip – attempting to buckle her shoe – and spectacularly roll down the stairs.
The audience also appear to have been taken in, with two people stepping out to attempt to prevent the 58-year-old broadcaster tumbling further down the stairs.
Meanwhile, Corden, rushing out of his presenter’s chair, dashes over to where he thinks Couric is, frantically asking: “Are you okay?” He then requests, “Is someone around?”
The joke is broken by Couric’s appearance at the top of the stairs, shouting: “Up here James! April Fools!”
By this point Corden – who apparently knew nothing about the planned prank – is also on the floor.
Back on the stage, the 36-year-old presenter admits: “I can't breathe. That's like our worst nightmare. That is so funny. That is an amazing prank.
"We've been talking about those stairs. We've been going back and forth. I was like, 'Oh my God. Katie Couric just died.’"
The journalist, currently working as Yahoo’s Global News Anchor, also thanks her stunt double Heidi for her epic roll down the TV studios stairs.
A clip of the event has already been viewed more than half a million times on YouTube.
The British actor has recently taken over from Scottish comedian Craig Ferguson on CBS’s The Late, Late Show. Despite scepticism over whether US audiences would ‘get’ the comic, early reviews for Corden’s show have been broadly positive.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments