James Corden to take over "The Late Late Show" on March 9

James Corden will officially take over as host of CBS' "The Late Late Show" on March 9, 2015, the network announced Thursday.

The British actor is replacing Craig Ferguson, who is departing the late-night show on Dec. 19. The show will continue to tape in Los Angeles.

"We're excited to begin CBS's next chapter after midnight and introduce James' wide range of performance talents and fearless creative instincts to American television viewers," said Nina Tassler, Chairman, CBS Entertainment.

Corden, 36, earned a Tony Award in 2012 for his performance in the play "One Man, Two Guvnors" and appears in the movie "Begin Again" with Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo. He also plays The Baker in the upcoming film "Into the Woods," co-starring with Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp.

Currently, Corden hosts the BAFTA Award-winning U.K. sports-themed comedy game show "A League of Their Own" and stars in, produces and writes the BAFTA nominated comedy thriller "The Wrong Mans," which is available on Hulu and airs on the BBC.

"The Late Late Show" airs weeknights at 12:35 a.m. ET.

Ferguson announced his exit from "The Late Late Show" in April, after David Letterman revealed he would be retiring from the "Late Show" next year. "The Colbert Report" host Stephen Colbert will be taking over for Letterman in the 11:35 p.m. time slot.