Tony winner James Corden to host 2016 Tony Awards

It has now been officially announced that Tony winner and host of CBS' "The Late Late Show" James Corden will host the 70th Annual Tony Awards, which will be held at the Beacon Theatre on 12 June 2016 and will be broadcast live that evening on CBS, its TV partner since 1978.

Mr Corden said of the news:

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be hosting the Tony Awards. Both times I've worked on Broadway have been amongst the happiest times of my professional life. I consider it a huge honor to be asked to host such an incredible night. It's gonna be fun, I can't wait to dust off my tap shoes!"

"James is one of those rare performers whose gifts translate perfectly to both the Broadway stage and the television screen, making him the ideal choice to host the Tony Awards. The last time he was at the Tonys, he went home with one. We think he'll have even more fun as host. This is going to be one unforgettable show."

All Broadway productions in the 2015-2016 season, who officially open on or before the eligibility cut-off date of Thursday, 28 April 2016 (and meet all other requirements) can be considered for nomination. The nominees for the 70th Annual Tony Awards will be announced at the Diamond Horseshoe at the Paramount Hotel on Tuesday, 3 May 2016.

James Corden won a Tony Award for "Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play" as Francis Henshall in 'One Man, Two Guvnors' at the Music Box Theatre in 2012. He previously made his Broadway debut as Timms in 'The History Boys' at the Broadhurst Theatre in 2006. His London stage credits also include 'One Man, Two Guvnors' and 'The History Boys,' as well as 'A Respectable Wedding' and 'Martin Guerre.' Aside from his hosting duties on CBS' "The Late Late Show," his other notable screen credits include Disney's film adaptation of "Into The Woods," "Fat Friends," "Lesbian Vampire Killers," "Gavin & Stacey," "The Three Musketeers," "Begin Again," "One Chance," "Kill Your Friends," "The Lady in the Van ," "Roald Dahl's Esio Trot" and the film adaptation of "The History Boys."

- by Tom Millward