James Corden Laments 'Elitist' Acting World: 'It Is About Class'

James Corden has highlighted what he sees as a class problem within the world of acting.

Before making it big as the host of ‘The Late, Late Show’, James was known first and foremost for his acting on both stage and screen, with notable roles in ‘Fat Friends’, ‘The History Boys’, ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ and ‘Into The Woods’.

However, he’s lamented the fact that the current crop of British stars have turned acting into an “elitist sport” that is making it more difficult for aspiring performers to break into.

Speaking to GQ, he explained: “I’ve come to the conclusion that it is about class. Look at my career... I mean, that’s quite a lot of good stuff!

“Douglas Booth has got a great career, he’s a brilliant actor, but he’s never going to encounter the sort of shit like I’ve had. Nor will Tom Hiddleston. Nor Eddie Redmayne. Nor Benedict Cumberbatch. I fear acting is becoming an elitist sport and I worry about where that lands us culturally. I really do.”

James’s comments echo remarks made by fellow British stars Julie Walters and Christopher Eccleston, with the latter claiming last year: “All the classical roles in London’s West End go to white, middle-class males, and we get a culture that resultantly bland. To be honest, I find it very disturbing.”

However, this idea was shunned by Laurence Fox back in February, who said he was tired of having his privileged background mentioned in relation to his success.

He insisted: “I think people should keep pretty quiet about stuff like that especially given the money they earn. It’s not completely true either.

“And didn’t Julie Walters get paid 400 grand using taxpayers’ money to do ­something recently? She’s a really sweet woman but, please, shut up.”

James’s GQ interview also sees him discussing the future of his ‘Carpool Karaoke’ sketches, revealing there’s one star he’s still unable to pin down to appear in the segment.