CBS apparently wants to name British actor and celebrity James Corden as host of the "Late Late Show" replacing fellow Brit Craig Ferguson. While CBS hasn't commented officially, top entertainment sources told the Hollywood Reporter that Corden is the choice due to his massive social media presence and track record as a British TV host, producer and talent.

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The "Late Late Show" is produced by David Letterman's Worldwide Pants company that also produces his "Late Show" preceding the Ferguson-hosted hour-long show that airs at 12:35 a.m. When Letterman announced he was stepping down, Ferguson followed suit and announced his retirement. CBS recently named Stephen Colbert to replace Letterman.

Celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris, Aisha Tyler and Joel McHale were rumored to be in the mix to replace Ferguson in the talk show that CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler called incredibly valuable to the network. Ferguson replaced Craig Kilborn as host of the show in 2005 and announced his retirement in April.

Ferguson is a native of Scotland and the search for his successor, in the end, didn't stray far from the British Isles. Cordon, 35, is an English native and Tony Award winner best known for the English TV hit "Gavin and Stacey." He starred in the recently released "Begin Again" with Keira Knightly and Mark Ruffalo and is a top player in the soon-to-be-released, and highly buzzed, Disney musical "Into the Woods."

What apparently clinched the deal is Corden's popularity in England as a kind of proving ground and his social media profile featuring nearly 4.5 million Twitter followers. Late night TV shows increasingly have centered around social media sites and jokes as they look to attract younger demographics,, experts say.

This will conclude, for now, the game of musical chairs at U.S.TV's late night franchises. Earlier this year, Jimmy Fallon replaced Jay Leno as host of the "Tonight Show." Seth Meyers replaced Fallon on "Late Night." Meanwhile, Colbert will be replaced by Larry Whitmore on his old Comedy Central show.

Tagslate night television, David Letterman, Steve Corden, CBS programs, Entertainment, television, late show