It seems to end up as a domino effect in the US when one talk show host hangs up his boots, others follow. This time round it's Scottish comedian Craig Ferguson who is leaving the hot seat on CBS's The Late Late Show (Yes, they have one too) after almost ten years in the job. While some of you may never have seen his show, trust us, he's one of the funniest of the lot, and it's not just that awesome accent!
The host announced yesterday, that in a similar vein to Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin; "CBS and I are not getting divorced, we are 'consciously uncoupling'." He went on to add; "But we will still spend holidays together and share custody of the fake horse and robot skeleton, both of whom we love very much."
Ferguson's future with the network was widely speculated after David Letterman announced his retirement recently, and CBS went with Stephen Colbert as his replacement as opposed to Ferguson (who's show is on directly after Letterman's). However, a clause in Ferguson's contract (set to expire this summer) will lead to a $8 million-$10 million payout because the network didn't go with him. Not reeeallly working out to shabby for Craig then, eh?
Ferguson even tweeted Letterman's successor to say congratulations, so looks like there's no hard feelings between the two, because nobody lies in a tweet, right?! Ah no, those pair actually do seem too sound to bear grudges. It seems CBS will be sorry to see him go too, with the Network's Head of Entertainment Nina Tassler stating yesterday; "During his 10 years as host, Craig has elevated CBS to new creative and competitive heights at 12:30. He infused the broadcast with tremendous energy, unique comedy, insightful interviews and some of the most heartfelt monologues seen on television."
He's too good to be hidden away at that hour anyways, and he's only 51 too, so no doubt he won't be off television screens for long. He could possibly head off to Comedy Central to take over Colbert's gig, but that might be too obvious a choice for the funnyman.... he can come present our Late Late Show if he wants!
