James Corden, the British entertainer who transitioned from the cozy confines of the UK to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, is now being compared to Meghan Markle for his alleged social climbing.
As Corden concludes his eight-year tenure as the host of The Late Late Show, a former colleague has drawn an intriguing parallel between him and Prince Harry's wife, suggesting that Corden's behavior is similarly opportunistic and self-serving. Corden's ascent from the British sitcom Gavin & Stacey to the pinnacle of late-night television in America was meteoric. However, according to one of his former associates, this rise to fame was marked by a pattern reminiscent of Meghan Markle’s notorious social maneuvering.
The source, speaking to The Mail, described Corden's career trajectory as akin to climbing a ladder, where each step up involves befriending increasingly famous individuals, only to discard those who are less famous once they no longer serve his ambitions. This portrayal implies that Corden’s friendships are strategic moves designed to elevate his own profile, much like Markle’s approach to royal connections. In Hollywood circles, Corden is accused of surrounding himself with the "flavor of the month," only to cast them aside for newer, shinier celebrities.
The narrative of Corden’s social climbing was further fueled by comments from singer Lily Allen, who has described him as a "beg friend." Allen first met Corden in 2008 when he appeared on her chat show, and she noted his excessively flirtatious behavior. Despite their brief acquaintance, Corden allegedly misinterpreted their interactions and later claimed that Allen led him on. Allen, however, swiftly dismissed this notion, clarifying on a podcast that Corden's recollection was inaccurate. According to her, Corden's behavior resembled a desperate attempt to gain fame through association rather than fostering genuine friendship.
Beyond accusations of social climbing, Corden is reportedly disliked on both sides of the Atlantic for his obnoxious personality—a trait also frequently associated with Markle. Critics of Corden describe him as rude and insincere, citing his tendency to interrupt guests during interviews and dominate his popular Carpool Karaoke segment. There have been reports of him yelling at directors, humiliating writers, and being rude to restaurant staff. Despite these controversies, Corden has amassed an impressive array of career accolades, including a Tony Award, a BAFTA, and 22 Emmy nominations. This stands in stark contrast to Meghan Markle’s career, which has been marred by controversy and a series of projects that failed to resonate, making Corden’s accomplishments seem even more pronounced.
Both Corden and Markle are notorious for their massive egos and confrontational attitudes. They have each been involved in numerous public feuds, with Corden clashing with figures such as Bill Maher, Pierce Brosnan, Britney Spears, and Halle Berry. Markle, in turn, has had her share of disputes, particularly with the British royal family and the media. Their shared penchant for drama and self-promotion has made them polarizing figures in the entertainment world. While Corden has achieved notable success in his career, his behavior is often criticized as being as insufferable as Markle's. His social climbing, marked by opportunistic friendships and a disregard for those who fall out of favor, echoes the very tactics Markle has been accused of employing. Both are seen as emblematic of ego-driven antics, using their celebrity status to further personal agendas at the expense of genuine relationships and professionalism.