As BBC Three made the switch from TV to online last night (15 February), who could have been better qualified to say goodbye to the channel than one of its biggest success stories, James Corden?
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James pre-recorded a special introduction to an episode of ‘Gavin And Stacey’, the hit sitcom he starred in and co-created, which first appeared on BBC Three in 2007.
As if to highlight just how far he’s come since getting his big break on the channel, James delivered his farewell from the studio of his US talk show, ‘The Late, Late Show’, which he began presenting just under a year ago.
He said: “BBC Three has been a huge part of my life and career. It took a chance on me and Ruth Jones and this little show that we wrote. For that chance, I and so many other writers and directors will always be grateful.”
James continued: “I wish BBC Three all the best of luck with your big move online. I can't wait to see what you'll be showing in the future.
"But in the meantime, for the last time ever on BBC Three television, this is ‘Gavin And Stacey’."
When it was first suggested that BBC Three would be making the move to online broadcasting, James was among its supporters, insisting that as long as it still existed, he was happy.
He told Radio Times: “If BBC Three was closing down I would be the first person signing a petition to keep it around because I wouldn't have a career without it.
"Nor would Matt Lucas and David Walliams, nor would Ruth Jones and nor would lots and lots of great people who have been found and nurtured on that channel."
‘Gavin And Stacey’ is just one of many UK shows which had its big break on BBC Three, with ‘Little Britain’, ‘The Mighty Boosh’ and ‘Torchwood’ also among its biggest hits.